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Exploratory study of Australian aged care staff knowledge and attitudes of later life sexuality
Author(s) -
Chen YungHui,
Jones Cindy,
Osborne Debora
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12404
Subject(s) - human sexuality , dementia , aged care , psychology , exploratory research , medicine , nursing , gerontology , gender studies , sociology , disease , pathology , anthropology
Objective To explore aged care staff knowledge and attitudes towards later life sexuality and attitudes about intimacy in people with dementia. Methods Fifty‐two care staff working in two aged care facilities with secure dementia care units were recruited. Knowledge and attitudes on later life sexuality and attitudes towards later life sexuality in people with dementia were surveyed using the Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale and the selected eight items of the Staff Attitudes about Intimacy and Dementia, respectively. Results The results indicated that aged care staff knowledge of later life sexuality is inadequate, but attitudes towards later life sexuality and about intimacy and dementia were relatively permissive. Conclusion Improving aged care staff knowledge of later life sexuality is needed. Continuing education and training should provide to support the expression of later life sexuality including those with dementia.