Sexuality in Age: Enhancing Patient-Centered Nursing Care Through Holistic Educational Approaches

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week holistic sexuality education program in enhancing sexual knowledge, positive attitudes, and self-efficacy among older adults. Method: The current study used a mixed methods, pre-/postintervention design (quantitative) supplemented with postintervention focus groups (qualitative). Twenty-three participants aged ≥50 years attended one of three sexuality education courses. Participants completed the Aging Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Scale and Sexual Self-Perception and Adjustment Questionnaire before and after the interventions. Results: Post-course results revealed improved sexual knowledge, and positively reinforced sexual self-efficacy. Holistic sexuality education also demonstrated post-course results of significantly decreased anxiety related to sexual communication, issues, and overall sexual health. Conclusion: Findings support the value of structured, age-inclusive sexual health education in promoting confidence, communication, and overall well-being in later life.