Sexual myths and attitudes regarding sexuality of nursing students: A mixed method study
Ayşe Akalın, Birgül Özkan
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine the nursing students' sexual myths and attitudes regarding sexuality, and to explore their views towards sexual care in practice. DESIGN AND METHODS: A mixed-method sequential explanatory design was used. Data were collected using Questionnaire Form, Sexual Myths Scale (SMS), Sexual Attitude and Beliefs Scale (SABS), and Focus-Group Interview Form. FINDINGS: The average scores on the SMS and the SABS were 58.66 ± 18.74 and 37.50 ± 6.97, respectively, indicating students' sexual myths and their attitudes regarding sexuality were moderate. A positive, significant correlation was found between SMS and SABS scores (p < 0.001). In the interviews, the views on the barriers and facilitators in sexual care and the negative effect of sexual myths on sexual care were revealed. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Courses regarding sexuality should include into nursing curriculum from the first years of undergraduate education.