Brazilian Residents’ Attitude and Practice Toward Sexual Health Issues in Pregnant Patients

Abstract

Introduction Sexual difficulties and questions regarding sexual function are frequent in pregnancy, yet they are infrequently discussed in academic communities, medical schools, and residency programs. Embarrassment, lack of experience, inadequate communication skills and insufficient knowledge on how to deal with sexual complaints, and questions in pregnancy are common, especially among young health professionals. Aim The aim of this study was to assess and compare the attitude and behavior of Brazilian residents in three different medical programs (obstetrics gynecology, internal medicine, and psychiatry) toward sexual health issues of pregnant patients. Methods Survey conducted in a single Brazilian university using anonymous self responsive questionnaires on how residents deal with sexual health issues of obstetric patients. A total of 154 residents from the three different programs (47 obstetrics gynecology, 33 psychiatry, 74 internal medicine) participated. Main Outcome Measures Attitude and practice of medical residents regarding sexual health issues of pregnant patients. Results Less than 20% of the residents reported that they routinely asked obstetric patients about their sexual health, although almost 70% stated this should be part of every history. Psychiatry residents were significantly more likely to actively seek information about the sexual health of obstetric patients than others (57.6%, 17%, 4.1%, psychiatry, obstetrics gynecology, internal medicine, respectively, P < 0.001). Although over 80% answered that most obstetric patients react well or indifferently to questions about sexual function, less than 25% of the residents reported being completely confident answering these questions, and 71% of them admitted that they lacked specific knowledge in the area of sexual dysfunctions. The two main obstacles in evaluating patients’ sexuality were lack of specific knowledge and not enough time to explore these aspects in medical consultations, reported by 71% and 20% of all participants, respectively. Conclusions Most residents do not feel comfortable or confident and lack specific knowledge and skills to deal with questions related to sexual problems during pregnancy.

Score Establishment and Brazilian Portuguese version of the Pregnancy Sexual Response Inventory (PSRI)

“…25 These strategies are important not only for clinical assistance but also to teach and train undergraduates of medicine because most of them do not feel comfortable or confident, and they lack specific knowledge and skills to address questions related to sexual problems within pregnancy. 26 Despite fears and myths about sexual activity during pregnancy, maintaining sexual interactions throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period can promote sexual health, well-being and a greater depth of intimacy. An open discussion about the expected changes in sexual health could provide guidance for couples, as well as promote rigorously designed, evidence-based studies to further elucidate our understanding of sexual function during pregnancy and postpartum.…”

Indicadores clínicos de disfunção sexual em mulheres grávidas: revisão integrativa de literatura

“…The approach to sexuality should be part of care in prenatal, and professionals should be vigilant and review their opinions and attitudes on this subject (51) . Health professionals should have training in sexuality and sexual health, whether through initial professional training, such as post-graduate training (71) . The negative influence of pregnancy on female sexual function is obvious and, therefore, should not be neglected.…”

Sexualidade na gestação: os médicos brasileiros estão preparados para lidar com estas questões?

“…Em estudo recente, avaliamos a atitude e a prática de 154 residentes de três programas da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP-EPM) sobre questões de sexualidade na gestação 22 . Embora 70% dos participantes tenham declarado que perguntas sobre saúde sexual deveriam fazer parte da história de todas gestantes atendidas, menos de 20% dos residentes de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia rotineiramente faziam perguntas a esse respeito.…”