Sexual perception: an overlooked psychological barrier to nursing

ABSTRACT

Patient care is one of the most important functions of nursing. Nurses are responsible legally and ethically to take care of male patient without any discrimination. Sexuality perceptions and embarrassment effect negatively on intimate care particularly between male patients and female nurses. In this study we aimed to; determine nurses' attitudes, towards male patient and evaluate some factors that can improve this situation. This cross sectional study was performed from March-June 2009, in Gulhane Military Medical Academy School of Nursing. A total of 300 female nursing students voluntarily participated out of 310 students, and responded to the questionnaires. The questionnaire comprised of 29 questions 8 questions were about socio-demographic characteristics of participants, and 21 questions were about attitude towards male patient. Results showed that [71.3%] students indicated that performing any application to a male patient was as easy as performing on a female patient 78.3% indicated that same age male patients were the most difficult age group for taking care. Calculated attitude point of Year III students about body cleaning, rectal lavage, perineal cleansing, rectal tube application, and naso-gastric tube applications are higher than other students'. Similarly; the attitude was more positive among the students that chose their school intentionally, than others as regards taking care of a male patient which was considered as easy as performing to a female patient. Many students have negative attitudes towards specific physical care needs of male patients, especially genital area related applications. Applied education methods, professionalism and providing ethical information and insight can resolve this gap