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Review
. 2025 Jul 22;22(8):1163.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph22081163.

Barriers Related to the Identification and Satisfaction of the Sexual Needs of Nursing Homes' Residents: A Narrative Review

Anna Castaldo  1 , Jesus Francisco Javier Leon Garcia  2 , Alessandra D'Amico  2 , Giulio Perrotta  3 , Stefano Eleuteri  3
Affiliations
Review

Barriers Related to the Identification and Satisfaction of the Sexual Needs of Nursing Homes' Residents: A Narrative Review

Anna Castaldo et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Sexuality is a central aspect of being human, even if people experience it in different ways in various stages of life. Sexuality in older people may be expressed, as well as affection, companionship, touch, and physical contact. However, older peoples' sexual needs are not properly considered by themselves, caregivers, or healthcare professionals. Reviews on barriers related to identification and satisfaction of sexual needs of people living in nursing home are scarce. In this scenario we intended to summarize the state of evidence regarding sexual need identification and satisfaction among older people living in nursing homes and possible barriers that could limit sexual need identification and satisfaction.

Methods: We carried out a narrative review. The included studies responded to the research question, using the following key words: nursing homes, sexuality or sexual need, or sexual behavior, older people. Searched databases included PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Scopus.

Results: After searching and screening we included 22 studies, finding three main topics: 1. identification of sexual needs by residents and healthcare personnel attitude and practice; 2. barriers and reasons hindering the identification of sexual needs; and 3. manifestation and satisfaction of sexual needs.

Conclusions: The findings showed that nursing homes' residents have different sexual needs, but there are many organizational, educational, and cultural barriers and negative attitudes of healthcare personnel. Supporting nursing home residents to express their sexual needs is a challenge for the healthcare professionals and managers of nursing homes.

Keywords: barriers; healthcare attitude; intimacy; nursing home; older; sexual needs; sexuality.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram of review process.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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