Doctors Attitude towards Sexual Health Problems - A Practise Survey.

BACKGROUND

Sexual problems are common in the society. But the medical professionals are reluctant to address sexual health issues. In this study we are assessing the attitude of medical practitioners towards various sexual health issues.

METHODS

: The study used anonymous self-responsive questionnaire survey of hundred medical practitioners from various parts of Kerala. Medical practitioners were asked to respond to various questions regarding their area of practise, their training in sexual medicine and about their perception and attitude towards patients' sexual health problems. Data collected and basic descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS

Out of 125 anonymous self-responsive survey questionnaires send to medical practitioners, we received hundred completed responses. Only 18% reported that they had some training in sexual medicine. Most of the medical practitioners are having the opinion that sexual problems are common in the society and only very few percentage (about 4%) seek help from medical practitioners regarding their sexual health issues. Anxiety and inhibition from the patient side to disclose and lack of privacy in the busy OPD are the major obstacles which prevent patients to seek medical help. Majority of doctors are reluctant to ask about their patients sexual issues. The participants identified that lack of time and privacy in the busy OPD and lack of proper training to address sexual issues are the major factors that prevent doctors from addressing sexual issues in their day to day clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

Sexual issues are common in the society. This study identified gaps in sexual health training among medical professionals in Kerala. Lack of proper training to address the sexual health issues is a major obstacle in managing sexual problems which can be addressed by improving training in sexual medicine to both medical students and medical practitioners.