Nursing students’ perceptions and preparedness to address sexuality in older adults: a qualitative focus group study

IF 2.5 Q2 NURSING

Teaching and Learning in Nursing Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-07-09 DOI:10.1016/j.teln.2026.06.013

Antonio Esteve-Ríos, Sofía García-Sanjuán, Minerva Gil-Rivera, David Monasor-Ortolá, Lourdes Virginia Picó-Mira, María del Carmen Rocamora-Rodríguez

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Educational initiatives have aimed to improve nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes toward sexuality in older adults. However, limited attention has been given to understanding students’ perceptions, emotions, and experiences prior to the design of such interventions.

Aim

To explore nursing students’ perceptions and preparedness to address sexuality in older adults.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted with two focus groups of second-year nursing students. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Three main themes were identified: (1) Sexuality in older adults as part of their health; (2) Emotions and feelings when addressing sexuality in older adults; and (3) Overcoming taboos: challenges and social transformation in addressing sexuality in older adults.

Conclusions

Emotional barriers limit nursing students’ readiness to engage with sexuality-related care in older adults despite recognising its importance. At the same time, their willingness to learn represents an opportunity for educators to design targeted curricular strategies that better prepare future nurses to address sexuality in this population.

查看原文本刊更多论文

护理专业学生对老年人性行为的认知和准备：一项定性焦点小组研究

教育活动旨在提高护理学生对老年人性行为的知识和态度。然而，在设计此类干预措施之前，对理解学生的感知、情绪和经历的关注有限。目的探讨护理专业学生对老年人性行为的认知和准备情况。方法对护理二年级学生进行定性研究。讨论录音，逐字抄录，并使用归纳主题分析进行分析。结果确定了三个主要主题：(1)老年人的性行为是其健康的一部分；(2)老年人处理性问题时的情绪和感受；(3)克服禁忌：老年人性取向的挑战与社会转型。结论情绪障碍限制了护生参与老年人性相关护理的准备，尽管认识到其重要性。与此同时，他们的学习意愿为教育者提供了一个机会，可以设计有针对性的课程策略，更好地为未来的护士做好准备，以解决这一人群中的性问题。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Teaching and Learning in Nursing NURSING-

CiteScore

2.60

自引率

10.50%

发文量

119

审稿时长

37 days

期刊介绍： Teaching and Learning in Nursing is the Official Journal of the National Organization of Associate Degree Nursing. The journal is dedicated to the advancement of Associate Degree Nursing education and practice, and promotes collaboration in charting the future of health care education and delivery. Topics include: - Managing Different Learning Styles - New Faculty Mentoring - Legal Issues - Research - Legislative Issues - Instructional Design Strategies - Leadership, Management Roles - Unique Funding for Programs and Faculty