title: Type 2 Diabetes Patients' Needs and Preferences for Care Concerning Sexual Problems: A Cross-Sectional Survey and Qualitative Interviews.
abstract: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent among patients with type 2 diabetes; however, little is known regarding these patients' needs and preferences for care for sexual problems. A cross-sectional survey and 25 semistructured interviews were therefore conducted among 40- to 75-year-old type 2 diabetes patients to explore this. We learned from the survey and interviews that most participants were unaware of the association between type 2 diabetes and sexual problems. Although certain barriers for discussing sexual problems with a care provider were identified (e.g., feelings of embarrassment), patients still reported a need for discussing their problems, because sex was viewed as an important part of their relationship. Some patients had sought help, but were dissatisfied with the offered care. Patients experienced a lack of attention and information from diabetes care providers. Improving this, together with a care provider-initiated conversation, was suggested to lower the threshold for discussion. Moreover, patients preferred a care provider with whom they have a close relationship, whereas age, gender, and medical specialty were regarded to be less important. An important recommendation was to make care for sexual problems an integral part of routine diabetes care. Future research should look into these recommendations.
authors: a Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research , VU University Medical Centre , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Rutte
authors: a Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research , VU University Medical Centre , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
authors: Laura M C
authors: LM
authors: Welschen
authors: a Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research , VU University Medical Centre , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
authors: Maaike M I
authors: MM
authors: van Splunter
authors: a Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research , VU University Medical Centre , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
authors: Annemarie A H
authors: AA
authors: Schalkwijk
authors: b Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research , VU University Medical Centre , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
authors: Lianne
authors: L
authors: de Vries
authors: c Department of Medical Psychology, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research , VU University Medical Centre , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
authors: Frank J
authors: FJ
authors: Snoek
authors: d Department of Neurosciences, Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and Centre for Clinical Sexology and Sex Therapy , UPC KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium.
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Enzlin
authors: a Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research , VU University Medical Centre , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
authors: Giel
authors: G
authors: Nijpels
authors: a Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research , VU University Medical Centre , Amsterdam , The Netherlands.
authors: Petra J M
authors: PJ
authors: Elders
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012731:Sex Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*