Susanna Jäghult (1), Emma Druvefors (2), Francesca Bello (3), Erik Florwald (4), Anette Forsell (4), Pär Myrelid (5), Sven Almer (3)

Affiliates

(1) Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sverige(2) Länssjukhuset Ryhov, Jönköping, Sverige(3) Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sverige(4) Ersta Sjukhus, Stockholm, Sverige(5) Linköpings Universitetssjukhus, Linköping, Sverige

Abstract

Background:
Previous studies have shown that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a negative impact on intimacy and sexuality related questions, and many IBD-patients experience that the disease impair the possibility of creating relationships. A recent Swedish study revealed that a large part of IBD-patients experience difficulties concerning relationships and sexuality, and many wish for a more active support from healthcare professionals. The aim of this Swedish follow up study was therefore to explore the current situation concerning intimacy and sexuality from the perspective of the healthcare professionals.
Method:
A digital, anonymous questionnaire was sent to healthcare professionals in Sweden through the different professional associations working with IBD-patients. The questionnaire contained 19 questions concerning problems that patients raise concerning intimacy and sexuality and how they are handled.
Results:
A total of 108 respondents answered the questionnaire, the majority were women (73%), the mean age was 51 years. About half of the respondents (54%) were nurses, while 28% were gastroenterologists, 11% were surgeons, and 7% had another profession. The responders had on average worked 13 years in IBD care. The different professions were overall consistent in their answers why the results are presented for the whole group.
Roughly half (53%) answered that they raise questions concerning relationships and sexuality on single occasions, while 18% stated that they never raise the topic with their patients (Figure 1). A total of 58% indicated that their patients ask questions concerning intimacy on single occasions, while 16% stated that it never happens (Figure 1). About 15% of the respondents stated that they had access to sexologist and 45% answered that they had possibility to refer to a psychologist or psychotherapist.
Many of the responders indicated that IBD-patients rarely raise questions concerning relationships and sexuality. Issues still being raised are mainly concerns about fertility in women, and erection problems in men. According to the healthcare professionals, both male and female patients report decreased sexual desire, a sense of not feeling attractive, and concerns about intestinal leakage. Women, also mentioned concerns regarding pain during intercourse, related to perianal fistulas and abdominal pain.
Conclusion:
Healthcare professionals state that conversations concerning relationships and sexuality rarely happen. The conversations are mainly focused on fertility and erection problems. In our previous study, 78% of the patients stated problems concerning intimacy and 64% requested more active support from the healthcare professionals. Our results indicate a need for an increased knowledge and awareness about these questions among healthcare professionals.

Poster_P8_Susanna Jäghult