Barriers and Facilitators to Sexual Health Discussions in Nursing Practice: A Systematic Review
Keywords:
Sexual health, sexuality, nurse–patient communication, barriers, enablers, systematic review, nursing educationAbstract
Background:
Sexuality and sexual health (SSH) are integral components of holistic care. However, nurse–patient discussions on these topics are often neglected due to various personal, professional, and systemic factors.
Objective: To systematically review and synthesize the evidence on the barriers and enabling factors that influence nurse–patient discussions about sexuality and sexual health across healthcare settings.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies. Electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched. Inclusion criteria involved studies focused on nurses or patients discussing SSH, published in English or other major languages. Thematic synthesis was used to categorize identified barriers and facilitators.
Results: Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Key barriers included lack of training, discomfort, cultural taboos, and time constraints. Enabling factors included institutional support, nurse education, use of communication frameworks, and organizational policies promoting SSH discussion.
Conclusion: Barriers to SSH discussions are multifaceted, ranging from individual nurse beliefs to systemic healthcare limitations. Addressing these challenges through education and policy reform is essential for integrating SSH into nursing care.
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