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Seeking help for sexual difficulties: findings from a study with older adults in four European countries

Author

Listed:
  • Sharron Hinchliff

    (University of Sheffield)

  • Ana Alexandra Carvalheira

    (ISPA-University Institute)

  • Aleksandar Štulhofer

    (University of Zagreb)

  • Erick Janssen

    (University of Leuven)

  • Gert Martin Hald

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Bente Træen

    (University of Oslo)

Abstract

Sexual well-being is an important part of life for many people aged 60 and older. However, older adults often face barriers to seeking and receiving help for sexual difficulties. This study used data from a probability survey (n = 3820) on sexuality and ageing to examine help-seeking in 60–75-year-olds in Norway, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal. More men (12.2%) than women (6.8%) had sought professional help for a sexual difficulty in the past 5 years. The main reason for help-seeking was that sex was important to the participant and/or their relationship. The main source of professional help was the primary care physician. Of those who had sought professional help, 48% were satisfied or very satisfied with the help received, 31.6% were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and 20.4% were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. Others had sought help from informal sources, particularly partners, friends, or websites. The main reasons for not seeking professional help included not being distressed by the symptoms, and thinking that the difficulty would clear up on its own. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that significant correlates of seeking professional help for women and men were level of distress about the sexual difficulty. With regard to women, those who were married, and/or from Portugal were more likely to have sought help. And regarding men, those who attended religious services were more likely to have sought professional help. These results have important implications for healthcare and can be used to inform the development and delivery of services for older adults who experience sexual difficulties.

Suggested Citation

  • Sharron Hinchliff & Ana Alexandra Carvalheira & Aleksandar Štulhofer & Erick Janssen & Gert Martin Hald & Bente Træen, 2020. "Seeking help for sexual difficulties: findings from a study with older adults in four European countries," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 185-195, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:17:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s10433-019-00536-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-019-00536-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hidalgo, B. & Goodman, M., 2013. "Multivariate or multivariable regression?," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(1), pages 39-40.
    2. Mathilde Azar & Caroline Bradbury‐Jones & Thilo Kroll, 2013. "Patterns of help‐seeking in women when problems arise in their sexual life: a discussion paper," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 22(23-24), pages 3587-3596, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gabriela Gore-Gorszewska, 2020. "“Why not ask the doctor?” Barriers in help-seeking for sexual problems among older adults in Poland," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 65(8), pages 1507-1515, November.

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