Nephrology nurses' perceptions of discussing sexual health issues with patients who have end-stage kidney disease

BACKGROUND: Despite sexual dysfunction (SD) being common among, and affecting quality of life in people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) receiving dialysis, sexuality is not a subject that patients and nephrology nurses usually discuss. OBJECTIVE: To explore Thai nephrology nurses' perceptions about discussing sexual health issues with patients receiving dialysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A phenomenological approach was applied and data were collected using semi-structured individual interviews. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 participants from four Southern regional hospitals in Thailand between April and June 2016. Recruitment continued until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's method. FINDINGS: Participants were aged between 27 and 53 years: mean 42.95 (±7.62 SD). Nineteen were female and sixteen were married. Five themes emerged: (1) improving knowledge in order to enhance confidence before discussing sexuality with patients; (2) gaining patients' trust before discussing sexuality; (3) finding an appropriate time to discuss sexuality; (4) organising a suitable setting in which to discuss sexuality and (5) feelings of appreciation for helping patients and their partners overcome their sexual health issues. CONCLUSION: These findings provide an understanding of Thai nurses' perceptions about the challenges in communicating with patients experiencing ESKD regarding sexual health problems and concerns. The findings suggest that sexual health education and training would enhance the confidence of Thai nephrology nurses in initiating sexuality-related discussions with their patients.