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Competence and Attitude of Family Physicians towards Sexuality Regarding Their Sexual Orientation, Age, or Having a Partner—Survey Study and Validation

Author

Listed:
  • Javier Ramírez-Santos

    (Almería Health District, Andalusian Health Service, 04008 Almería, Spain)

  • Gracia Castro-Luna

    (Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine Department, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain)

  • Manuel Lucas-Matheu

    (Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine Department, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain)

  • Tesifón Parrón-Carreño

    (Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine Department, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain)

  • Bruno José Nievas-Soriano

    (Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine Department, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain)

Abstract

Background: The main objective of this study was to assess different aspects of family physicians (sex, age, sexual orientation, or having a partner) regarding their competencies, attitudes, and procedures towards their patients’ sexuality. We also sought to develop a valid questionnaire to perform this task. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among family and community medicine physicians in southeast Spain. Results: A total of 259 family physicians participated. Overall, 69.9% were women, 80.7% were heterosexual, 80.7% had a partner, and 50.6% had not received specific sexology training. Homosexual physicians showed a slightly more positive attitude toward sexuality. Training in sexuality established differences in competencies and procedures, but no differences were found in the attitude regarding whether the physicians had a partner or their training. While younger ages were correlated with a more positive attitude, the global score was positively correlated with the age of the professionals. Conclusions: Competences, attitudes, and knowledge of procedures do not depend on whether the professional has a partner, but there may be slight differences regarding attitude when considering the sexual orientation of the physicians. The attitude toward sexuality may not depend on previous training. Albeit younger family physicians have a more positive attitude, all providers become more involved with sexuality as they gain professional experience.

Suggested Citation

  • Javier Ramírez-Santos & Gracia Castro-Luna & Manuel Lucas-Matheu & Tesifón Parrón-Carreño & Bruno José Nievas-Soriano, 2022. "Competence and Attitude of Family Physicians towards Sexuality Regarding Their Sexual Orientation, Age, or Having a Partner—Survey Study and Validation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:17:p:11029-:d:905885
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sabin, J.A. & Riskind, R.G. & Nosek, B.A., 2015. "Health care providers' implicit and explicit attitudes toward lesbian women and gay men," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 105(9), pages 1831-1841.
    2. Reginald Fennell & Blair Grant, 2019. "Discussing sexuality in health care: A systematic review," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(17-18), pages 3065-3076, September.
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