Perceptions of well-being in sexual ill health: what role does age play?
This article explores the ways in which age can mediate the impact of sexual health problems on psychological well-being, and reports a qualitative interview study with 69 participants (aged 31-92). Data were analysed using 'Framework' and the following themes identified. Participants self-defined their sexual health problems, and these included tiredness, erectile dysfunction and menopause. Older participants reported more physical conditions of a long-term nature and younger participants experienced more shorter-term problems. The effect these had on the sufferer varied with regard to perceived aetiology and longevity of the problem, for instance older participants perceived some problems as age-related which buffered impact on well-being. The findings are discussed in relation to their implications for health care and policy development.
University of Sheffield, UK. s.hinchliff@sheffield.ac.uk
Sharron
S
Hinchliff
Merryn
M
Gott
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology*