Sexuality in the field of occupational therapy: A scoping review

While sexuality is gaining recognition as a relevant domain of occupational therapy practice, the scope of empirical research involving occupational therapy practitioners or students in relation to sexuality remains unclear. This study aimed to map the extent and focus of this research.

A scoping review was conducted using four databases: MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. The search strategy included keywords related to 'Occupational therapy' and 'Sexuality'. Two independent reviewers screened the references by title and abstract, and then by full text. The team conducted a bibliometric and collaborative inductive content analysis of included papers to categorise them by themes addressed. Consumer and community consultation. Consumer and community were not involved FINDINGS: Of the 4491 references screened, 136 studies were included. The papers addressed at least one of seven themes: (1) Influencing factors reported by occupational therapy practitioners and students regarding sexuality (41.9%); (2) Assessment or intervention implemented by occupational therapists to address sexuality (27.2%); (3) Educating occupational therapy practitioners and students regarding sexuality (13.2%); (4) Development or validation of assessment tools regarding sexuality (7.4%); (5) The role of occupational therapists regarding sexuality (5.1%); and (6) Frameworks, models, practice guides or guidelines related to sexuality (4.4%). Several studies (41.9%) addressed more than one topic.

The occupational therapy literature on sexuality reveals a disproportionate emphasis on certain topics, while others remain underexplored. Most studies examined the challenges encountered by occupational therapy practitioners and students in incorporating sexuality into practice. Future studies should not only focus on developing and implementing evidence-based assessments and interventions but also on advancing theoretical understanding at the intersection of sexuality, occupation, and occupational therapy practice.