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Chronic illness and sexuality.

Rosemary A McInnes1

  • 1Australian Centre for Sexual Health, St Lukes Hospital, Sydney, NSW. dr_rosie@mail2me.com.au

The Medical Journal of Australia
|August 20, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Chronic illness significantly impacts patient sexuality and quality of life. The PLISSIT model offers a framework for healthcare providers to address sexual health concerns in chronically ill patients.

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Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Psychology
  • Sexual Health

Background:

  • Sexuality is integral to quality of life for individuals with chronic illnesses and their partners.
  • Chronic illness can multifactorially affect all aspects of sexual response, leading to dysfunction and dissatisfaction.
  • Underdetection and undertreatment of sexual issues stem from barriers in doctor-patient communication and insufficient medical training in human sexuality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of addressing sexual health in chronically ill patients.
  • To emphasize the need for healthcare providers to recognize ongoing sexual interest in older, ill, or disabled individuals.
  • To introduce the PLISSIT model as a practical approach for managing sexual concerns.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on the impact of chronic illness on sexuality.
  • Discussion of barriers to sexual health discussions in clinical practice.
  • Introduction and explanation of the PLISSIT model for counseling.

Main Results:

  • Sexual dysfunction is prevalent but often overlooked in chronically ill populations.
  • Healthcare providers face challenges in discussing sexual health due to lack of training and perceived discomfort.
  • The PLISSIT model provides a structured, tiered approach to address sexual issues effectively.

Conclusions:

  • Recognizing the sexual interest of all patients, regardless of health status, is crucial for healthcare providers.
  • The PLISSIT model empowers clinicians to manage sexual health concerns appropriately.
  • Integrating sexual health discussions into routine care can improve patient quality of life.

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