Exploring sexual behaviors and health communication among older women |
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| Authors: | Caroline D. Bergeron Heather Honoré Goltz Leigh E. Szucs Jovanni V. Reyes Kelly L. Wilson Marcia G. Ory |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Bexar County Community Health Collaborative, San Antonio, Texas, USA;2. Social Work Program, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, Texas, USA;3. Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;4. Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&5. M University, College Station, Texas, USA;6. Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, Texas A& |
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| Abstract: | Older women around the globe are generally depicted as asexual beings, which may impact patient-provider discussions about sex. We examined data on 703 aging women in the United States to compare factors associated with women perceiving sex as important and women discussing sex with their physicians since turning 50. While 65.1% of participants perceived sex to be important, only 23.8% discussed sex with their providers since turning 50. Factors related to discussing sex included age, education, having a chronic condition, and consuming alcohol. Provider training and tools about sexual health communication could help launch those discussions about sex and increase advocacy for older women's sexual health. |
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