Staff perceptions of sexuality-related problems and behaviors of psychiatrically hospitalized children and adolescents.
Clinical staff at two hospitals serving children and adolescents were surveyed regarding their observations and experiences regarding the sexuality-related behaviors and issues of patients. Results of this descriptive study indicate that staff frequently encounter a wide range of such problems, including the effects sexual abuse, sexually aggressive or inappropriate behavior, lack of knowledge about basic hygiene and sexual development, pregnancy and contraception, high-risk behaviors, and sexually-transmitted diseases, including AIDS. Similarities and differences of the perceptions by staff of these problems are compared across unit types (children's, adolescents, dually-diagnosed, developmentally-disabled). Implications for staff training, clinical policies, and further research are discussed.
Zeanah
P D
PD
Department of Psychiatry, Tulane Medical Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
Hamilton
M L
ML
D000293:Adolescent; D000298:Adolescent, Hospitalized / Q000523:psychology*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002673:Child, Hospitalized / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012736:Sex Education; D012725:Sexual Behavior