Promoting Safe, Comfortable Sex: Efficacy of an Occupational Therapy Program
Event Type
Presentation
Start Date
12-1-2020 9:00 AM
End Date
12-1-2020 12:00 PM
Description
Purpose: This study addressed the knowledge gap of adults aged 55 years and older regarding their sexual health and analyzed the efficacy of an educational program to promote safe and comfortable sex for the mature adult. The sexual health and intimacy of older adults is a novel topic that many still find taboo. For many older adults, sexuality remains a meaningful activity of daily living, but new or chronic disability can create barriers to engaging in safe and comfortable sex. The growing rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adults 55 and older pointed to a need for an educational program intended for this age group.
Method: An educational program was developed with pre and post-presentation questionnaires. The first post questionnaire immediately followed the presentation and a second questionnaire followed 30 days later. The educational program presented material regarding issues that many older adults encounter during the aging process and offered solutions to help each individual maintain their preferred level of sexual activity and intimacy.
Results: Following the educational program, all participants reported benefits from attending the program. At 30 days post-program, participants reported incorporating new positions, adaptive devices, and/or alternative ways to gain sexual pleasure. The majority of participants reported they no longer had concerns regarding disease control and sexual safety.
Conclusion: Providing an educational program on sexual health and activity for older adults improved the quality and quantity of sexual activity, disease control, and sexual safety. Further research on sexual activity and sexual health with larger groups of older adults is warranted.
Recommended Citation
D'Amico, M., Hubbard, H., Mariani, M., Daigle, C., Helms, E., Lane, K., & Stewart, E. (2020), Promoting Safe, Comfortable Sex: Efficacy of an Occupational Therapy Program, Presentation, Sixth Annual Research Colloquium, https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ot_colloquium/sixth/events/3
Promoting Safe, Comfortable Sex: Efficacy of an Occupational Therapy Program
Purpose: This study addressed the knowledge gap of adults aged 55 years and older regarding their sexual health and analyzed the efficacy of an educational program to promote safe and comfortable sex for the mature adult. The sexual health and intimacy of older adults is a novel topic that many still find taboo. For many older adults, sexuality remains a meaningful activity of daily living, but new or chronic disability can create barriers to engaging in safe and comfortable sex. The growing rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adults 55 and older pointed to a need for an educational program intended for this age group.
Method: An educational program was developed with pre and post-presentation questionnaires. The first post questionnaire immediately followed the presentation and a second questionnaire followed 30 days later. The educational program presented material regarding issues that many older adults encounter during the aging process and offered solutions to help each individual maintain their preferred level of sexual activity and intimacy.
Results: Following the educational program, all participants reported benefits from attending the program. At 30 days post-program, participants reported incorporating new positions, adaptive devices, and/or alternative ways to gain sexual pleasure. The majority of participants reported they no longer had concerns regarding disease control and sexual safety.
Conclusion: Providing an educational program on sexual health and activity for older adults improved the quality and quantity of sexual activity, disease control, and sexual safety. Further research on sexual activity and sexual health with larger groups of older adults is warranted.