Possibilities for dialogue on sexuality and sexual abuse--midwives' and clinicians' experiences.
OBJECTIVE
to describe midwives' and clinicians' experiences of the possibilities and obstacles for dialogue with young women on sexuality and sexual abuse, focusing on the possibilities.


METHODS
qualitative study with interview data analysed by qualitative content analysis.


METHODS
South-west Sweden.


METHODS
a purposive sample, consisting of 15 midwives, six gynaecologists and five general practitioners aged 30-65 years, was chosen in order to obtain as many different experiences as possible. The participants' professional experiences varied, ranging from five to more than 35 years, and they were employed at youth clinics, primary health-care centres, gynaecology clinics, a specialist sexual medicine centre and antenatal care centres, situated in small and large cities.


RESULTS
the participants described the respectful encounter that can be created when young women meet midwives and clinicians in the context of a gynaecological consultation. In this situation, there was a potential to strengthen women while attempting to improve their sexual health. Support from the organisation and the use of personal skills and assets were found to be promoting factors for dialogue. Lack of organisational support or communication skills and difficult emotions complicated the situation, which might, in turn, restrain midwives and clinicians from raising sexual issues.


CONCLUSIONS
increased knowledge, support and opportunities for reflection concerning dialogue regarding sexual issues might evoke the interest and intent of health professionals to approach these issues. Guidelines regarding dialogue about both sexuality and sexual abuse should be routine in health-care services.
Wendt
Eva K
EK
Research and Development Unit, Primary Health Care, PO Box 113, 311 22 Falkenberg, Sweden.
Marklund
Bertil R G
BR
Lidell
Evy A-S
EA
Hildingh
Cathrine I
CI
Westerståhl
Anna K E
AK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003191:Comprehensive Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006176:Gynecology / Q000458:organization & administration; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008880:Midwifery / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013548:Sweden