Sexuality in the baccalaureate nursing curriculum

One hundred and fifty-one baccalaureate nursing programs responded to a survey indicating how and to what extent concepts of human sexuality were incorporated into the nursing curricula. A majority of programs provided for all topic areas listed on the questionnaire with those related to reproduction being most prevalent in the curricula. Most respondents believed that baccalaureate graduates should be able to provide sex education for youth, counsel regarding healthy sex function, minimize the incidence of sexual dysfunction by educating adults, and counsel clients regarding sexual problems after illness or surgery. In nearly every instance, there was a perceived gap between what the curriculum provided and between the graduates' knowledge and competencies.