Registered nurse engagement with youth about sexual health in primary healthcare

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Authors
Martel, Rhiannon
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Degree
Master of Nursing
Grantor
Eastern Institute of Technology
Date
2015
Supervisors
Crawford, Ruth
Riden , Helen
Type
Masters Thesis
Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)
Keyword
New Zealand
registered nurses
primary health care
youth
sexual health
engagement
surveys
ANZSRC Field of Research Code (2020)
Citation
Martel, R. (2015). Registered nurse engagement with youth about sexual health in primary healthcare. (Unpublished document submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Nursing). Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), New Zealand.
Abstract
BACKGROUND New Zealand has one of the worst rates of sexually transmitted infections in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the majority of those affected are youth aged 12 – 24 years. Youth prefer to access sexual healthcare from a primary healthcare provider. However, registered nurses practising in primary healthcare settings lack confidence engaging with youth about sexual health issues. AIM The aim of the study is to identify what would facilitate primary healthcare nurses to discuss sexual health with youth. METHOD A non-experimental descriptive study was undertaken in two phases. In Phase One, 23 registered nurses practising in primary healthcare completed an online survey. Phase Two followed up the survey with semi-structured interviews with seven registered nurses from primary healthcare settings. RESULTS The majority of New Zealand registered nurses practising in primary healthcare are female, aged between 40 - 60 years and identify with New Zealand or other European ethnicity. Participants identified specific educational needs regarding youth sexual health that are not being met. Some registered nurses believe it is not their role to actively engage in discussions with youth about sexual health. Some registered nurses have difficulty differentiating their role and in setting boundaries in consultations with youth. Cultural influences regarding sexual healthcare and practices are infrequently acknowledged, instead ethnic stereotyping is common. CONCLUSION Registered nurses in primary healthcare lack knowledge and confidence engaging with youth about sexual health. In order to improve youth health outcomes, registered nurses in primary healthcare require ongoing professional development, education and resources related to youth sexual health.
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