Unravelling current sexual care in chronic kidney disease; perspective of social workers
Van Ek,Gaby F. Keurhorst,Dirry Krouwel,Esmée M. Nicolai,Melianthe P.j. Den Ouden,Marjolein E.m. Elzevier,Henk W. Putter,Hein Pelger,Rob C.m. den Oudsten,B.L.
Van Ek,Gaby F.
Keurhorst,Dirry
Krouwel,Esmée M.
Nicolai,Melianthe P.j.
Den Ouden,Marjolein E.m.
Elzevier,Henk W.
Putter,Hein
Pelger,Rob C.m.
den Oudsten,B.L.
Abstract
Background Fifty to eighty percent of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience a form of sexual dysfunction (SD), even after renal transplantation. Despite this, inquiring about SD is often not included in the daily practice of renal care providers. Objectives This paper explores the perspectives of renal social workers regarding sexual care for patients and evaluates their practice, attitude towards responsibility and knowledge of SD. Design A cross-sectional study was conducted using a 41-item online survey. Participants Seventy-nine members of the Dutch Federation of Social Workers Nephrology. Results It was revealed that 60% of respondents discussed SD with a fifth of their patients. Frequency of discussion was associated with experience (p = 0.049), knowledge (p = 0.001), supplementary education (p = 0.006), and the availability of protocols on sexual care (p = 0.007). Main barriers towards discussing SD consisted of ‘culture and religion’ (51.9%), ‘language and ethnicity’ (49.4%), and ‘presence of a third person’ (45.6%). Sufficient knowledge of SD was present in 28% of respondents. The responsibility for discussion was 96% nephrologists and 81% social workers. Conclusion This study provides evidence that a part of Dutch nephrology social workers do not provide sexual care regularly, due to insufficient experience and sexual knowledge, absence of privacy and protocols and barriers based on cultural diversity. According to the respondents the responsibility for this aspect of care should be multidisciplinary. Recommendations include a need for further education on the topic, private opportunities to discuss SD and multidisciplinary guidelines on sexual care.
Description
Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
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Journal Issue
Keywords
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Citation
Van Ek, G F, Keurhorst, D, Krouwel, E M, Nicolai, M P J, Den Ouden, M E M, Elzevier, H W, Putter, H, Pelger, R C M & den Oudsten, B L 2018, 'Unravelling current sexual care in chronic kidney disease; perspective of social workers', Journal of Renal Care, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 30-37. https://doi.org/10.1111/jorc.12228
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info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess