Exploring the Activity of Daily Living of Sexual Activity: A Survey in Occupational Therapy Education

Abstract

This study aimed to query occupational therapy educators in professional programs in the United States about the amount of time spent addressing sexual activity and the type and depth of education related to sexual activity. The study aims to inform educators about how sexual activity is taught. A cross-sectional survey research design was used with both closed-and open-ended questions. A total of 51 educators participated. An average of 3.5 hr was spent teaching sexual activity. Many of the participants were comfortable teaching sexual activity. However, some reported that sexual activity was often an overlooked topic in occupational therapy curriculum and was not emphasized as much as other activities of daily living. In addition, participants reported that the under emphasis of teaching sexuality may be due to a lack of educational background, the broadness of the topic, discomfort of the students, and a lack of information in textbooks. Most of the participants are comfortable teaching sexual activity and believe that it is an important topic in occupational therapy curriculum. However, many consider it an overlooked topic specifically with chronic conditions and sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, educating instructors on sexual activity and pedagogical methods will enhance occupational therapy curriculum.

Sexual Functioning in Occupational Therapy Education: A Survey of Programs

“…Occupational therapists are positioned to serve a unique role in the education of individuals regarding their sexual health (AOTA, 2014). The results of this research support previous evidence of a tangible gap between the terms of occupational therapy philosophy and the expressions of this ideology in occupational therapy practice (Lohman et al, 2017;Payne et al, 1988). Current professionals in formal occupational therapy education programs agree that addressing sexuality in practice is essential, but most feel this topic is still being overlooked in the standards for curriculum inclusion (Lohman et al, 2017).…”

“…Although it appears that sexuality is being addressed more globally in the occupational therapy curricula, current research indicates that this is not translating effectively to clinical practice. After the onset of a disability, many individuals report inadequate attention to their sexual health needs (Hess & Hough, 2012;Lohman, Kobrin, & Chang, 2017).…”

Overview of reviews of standardised occupation‐based instruments for use in occupational therapy practice

“…Occupational therapy services for sexual functioning have received limited attention in the literature. Sexuality is considered an important occupation but the translation into practice either through curriculum or clinical practice is a challenge amongst occupational therapists (Jones, Weerakoon & Pynor, 2005;Lohman, Kobrin & Chang, 2017). Similar issues are present for spirituality issues (Morris, 2013;Romli & Wan Yunus, 2016).…”

Development of the Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI): Phase One

“…Discussion Aspects of sexuality and intimacy are incorporated in every human being's daily life (Lohman et al, 2017) regardless of the presence of a disability (Isler et al, 2009). It is unfortunate that many health care practitioners are hesitant to initiate the subject of sexuality because of personal embarrassment and the belief that they would embarrass the client and that the clients do not raise the topic because of fear of embarrassing the professional (Nilsson et al, 2017).…”

“…According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2006), sexuality encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, intimacy, and reproduction; is influenced by the interplay between psychological, biological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious, and spiritual factors; and is expressed in attitudes, values, beliefs, behaviors, practices, roles, and relationships. Given that sexuality contributes to a person's overall health and wellness (Fritz et al, 2015;Helmes & Chapman, 2012;Stanger, 2009), one can infer that when an illness, injury, condition, or life stage compromises health and wellness that it will impact sexuality and intimacy as well (Isler et al, 2009;Lohman et al, 2017;McGrath & Lynch, 2014;Stanger, 2009).…”