Revealing sexuality: have nurses' knowledge and attitudes changed?

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Sexual Health
• Healthcare Professional Preparedness

Background:

• Nurses require adequate preparation to address client sexuality issues.
• Existing research on nursing students' and registered nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding sexuality is limited.
• This study addresses a gap by summarizing findings from a 1988-1991 New Zealand survey for a wider audience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey the knowledge and attitudes of New Zealand pre- and post-registration nursing students concerning sexuality.
• To identify areas where nursing professionals and students lack information on sexual health.
• To inform curriculum development and future research in nursing sexual health education.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive study utilizing questionnaires administered between 1988 and 1991.
• Phase One: Surveyed 319 registered nurses in post-registration programs.
• Phase Two: Surveyed 575 pre-registration nursing students (first and/or third year).

Main Results:

• Students nearing program completion demonstrated comparable or superior knowledge to registered nurses, yet both groups had information deficits.
• Attitudes among both pre- and post-registration students leaned more liberal than conservative.
• A significant majority of participants (55% of students, 88% of nurses) reported feeling inadequately prepared to assist clients with sexual concerns.

Conclusions:

• Nursing education may not fully equip graduates to address client sexual health needs.
• Further research and curriculum enhancement are necessary to improve nurses' confidence and competence in sexual health counseling.
• Findings highlight a critical need for improved sexual health training within nursing programs.