[Sexuality of the aged--attitudes of nurses and physicians]

The purpose of this study was to describe attitudes of the nurses and the physicians and their knowledge towards the sexuality of the hospitalized and non-hospitalized aged patients. The study was carried out in a small health centre near Turku involving a total of 70 persons of the medical staff, nurses and doctors. The questionnaire was returned by 53 of those involved. According to the participants, aged people only rarely express their wish to discuss their sexual needs during the care. Neither do the nurses or physicians bring up the matter themselves. Most of the attendants in the study would be ready to discuss with the patients matters dealing with the sexuality of the aged. The participants had knowledge of the sexual needs of the elderly and their attitudes were acceptive. This might mean that the member of the staff is willing to try to help the patient in matters usually difficult to handle.