Hostname: page-component-5c6d5d7d68-wtssw Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-08-27T12:11:48.629Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Perspectives on Sexual Health Management among Tunisian Primary Care Physicians

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 August 2024

F. Baccar
Affiliation:
1Ibn Omrane, Razi Hospital, Manouba
B. Abassi*
Affiliation:
1Ibn Omrane, Razi Hospital, Manouba
B. Amamou
Affiliation:
2Psychiatry, Fattouma Bourguiba, Monastir, Tunisia
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.
Introduction

Sexual health significantly influences individual well-being. It is thus crucial for primary care physicians to address these concerns effectively.

Objectives

To evaluate the perspectives and approaches of primary care practitioners towards sexual health.

Methods

A descriptive survey was disseminated to 350 primary care physicians via Google Forms in August 2022.

Results

Of the respondents, 53.1% were female. The majority (71.4%) were affiliated with the public health sector, and over 75% were based in urban areas. All acknowledged the importance of addressing sexuality in their patients’ health. In this context, 62% spontaneously initiated discussions on the subject with their patients. Also, 72% noted that patients anticipate a regular dialogue about sexual health with their primary care provider. Over 90% believed in the value of addressing sexual dysfunctions more proactively, with 56% comfortable in leading such discussions. Additionally, 64% were inclined to include targeted questions on sexual health in their consultations. Notably, 77.6% expressed interest in creating specialized sexual health consultations in their practice. However, 54% felt unease in discussing sexual health with opposite-gender patients, and 82% lacked referrals to sexologists.

Conclusions

Sexual health issues are not uncommon in general practice. Primary care providers play a vital role in counseling, screening, and educating patients on these concerns, necessitating specialized training to enhance patient management.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of European Psychiatric Association
Submit a response

Comments

No Comments have been published for this article.