Registered nurse engagement with youth about sexual health in primary healthcare

BACKGROUND New Zealand has one of the worst rates of sexually transmitted infections in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the majority of those affected are youth aged 12 – 24 years. Youth prefer to access sexual healthcare from a primary healthcare provider. However, registered nurses practising in primary healthcare settings lack confidence engaging with youth about sexual health issues. AIM The aim of the study is to identify what would facilitate primary healthcare nurses to discuss sexual health with youth. METHOD A non-experimental descriptive study was undertaken in two phases. In Phase One, 23 registered nurses practising in primary healthcare completed an online survey. Phase Two followed up the survey with semi-structured interviews with seven registered nurses from primary healthcare settings. RESULTS The majority of New Zealand registered nurses practising in primary healthcare are female, aged between 40 - 60 years and identify with New Zealand or other European ethnicity. Participants identified specific educational needs regarding youth sexual health that are not being met. Some registered nurses believe it is not their role to actively engage in discussions with youth about sexual health. Some registered nurses have difficulty differentiating their role and in setting boundaries in consultations with youth. Cultural influences regarding sexual healthcare and practices are infrequently acknowledged, instead ethnic stereotyping is common. CONCLUSION Registered nurses in primary healthcare lack knowledge and confidence engaging with youth about sexual health. In order to improve youth health outcomes, registered nurses in primary healthcare require ongoing professional development, education and resources related to youth sexual health.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Nursing

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Eastern Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Martel, Rhiannon

• New Zealand
• registered nurses
• primary health care
• youth
• sexual health
• engagement
• surveys

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6390

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10652/6390