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“Why not ask the doctor?” Barriers in help-seeking for sexual problems among older adults in Poland

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  • Gabriela Gore-Gorszewska

    (Jagiellonian University)

Abstract

Objectives Existing data show that older adults rarely seek medical or psychological help for their sexual problems. The current study explores the barriers in help-seeking faced by older adults from a conservative Central European country. Methods Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted among Polish residents (16 women, 14 men) aged 65–82. The data were analysed thematically, with coding validity and analytical rigour ensured throughout the process. Results Three main barriers in seeking help were identified: not recognising sexual problems; fear for the doctors’ disapproval; lack of knowledge how to access appropriate services. The data reveal that the participants’ main concern is that health providers would dismiss their problems as trivial. Older adults from Poland suffer from the lack of fundamental knowledge about their sexual functioning. Conclusions Employing qualitative methodology to understand why older adults from conservative cultures do not seek help for their sexual problems might contribute to existing literature by providing evidence from different cultural settings, and help to develop and implement appropriate interventions. Implications related to health providers’ attitude towards older patients’ concerns are further discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijphth:v:65:y:2020:i:8:d:10.1007_s00038-020-01472-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s00038-020-01472-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gott, Merryn & Hinchliff, Sharron & Galena, Elisabeth, 2004. "General practitioner attitudes to discussing sexual health issues with older people," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 58(11), pages 2093-2103, June.
    2. Beata Tobiasz-Adamczyk & Monika Brzyska & Barbara Woźniak & Marek Kopacz, 2009. "The current state and challenges for the future of health promotion in Polish older people," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 54(5), pages 341-348, October.
    3. Brown, T.M. & Cueto, M. & Fee, E., 2006. "The World Health Organization and the transition from international to global public health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(1), pages 62-72.
    4. 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.
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