Background: Many older adults are sexually active, and STIs are rising amongst this cohort. In primary care, sexual health discussions are limited as health-care practitioners commonly assume older patients aged 60+ are not sexually active or are unwilling to discuss sex. Studies have either examined patient or clinician views, but not both.
Objective: This study investigates sexual health discussions in general practice. It is unique in that it sought perspectives of different groups: older patients, health-care professionals and key informants.
Results: Qualitative interviews revealed that older patients expect clinicians to bring up sexual concerns, whereas clinicians prefer older patients to do so. A simple electronic solution to circumvent this impasse was suggested and discussed.
Conclusions: Older adults would like to discuss sexual concerns with their health-care providers. Given the rising rates of STIs in later life, sexual health discussions with older patients must become part of routine care.
Keywords: ageing; attitudes; general practice; health knowledge; intervention; practice; sexual health and well-being.
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