P28: Exploring Attitudes towards Sexuality and Their Impact on Sexual Satisfaction among Older Adults in a Psychogeriatric Clinic in Mexico City

Abstract

Summary: Sexuality, often one of the least understood aspects of human behavior, encounters numerous prejudices, particularly in Latin American countries characterized by a repressive and machismo-infused education influenced by religious values, such as Catholicism. This cultural backdrop places women at a distinct disadvantage. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexuality encompasses various dimensions including sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction. Attitudes toward sexuality are shaped by past experiences, including affective, cognitive, and behavioral aspects. Societal norms for sexual activity, in the context of older adults have changed significantly. Research emphasizes the crucial role of sexual satisfaction in older adults’ overall health. The interaction of sexuality, communication, and relationship conflicts directly affects partnership satisfaction and well-being. Lack of sexual satisfaction is linked to emotional distress and physical issues, highlighting the need for medical attention and overcoming reluctance to seek help. These findings emphasize the complexity of older adults’ sexuality and the importance of a comprehensive approach considering social, cultural, and gender factors.

Objectives: To understand the attitudes of older adults receiving care at a Psychogeriatric clinic and to contrast them with the degree of sexual satisfaction they experience.

Methods: An observational, prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, and non-comparative study was carried out to explore the attitudes of older adults with psychiatric comorbidities receiving care at a specialized clinic in Mexico City. Two questionnaires were employed to investigate biases and attitudes regarding the practice of sexuality, as well as satisfaction with their life and sexual expression: the Questionnaire of Attitudes towards Sexuality in Old Age and the Sexual Satisfaction Inventory, respectively.

Results: Participants were recruited from the Psychogeriatrics clinic of the National Institute of Psychiatry (n = 52). The average age of participants was 69.4 ± 6.4 years, with an average of 10.4 ± 5.1 years of education. Two questionnaires were utilized to assess attitudes and sexual satisfaction (Questionnaire of Attitudes Towards Sexuality in Old Age and the Sexual Satisfaction Inventory, respectively).

A statistically significant difference was found in sexual satisfaction between men and women. Men exhibited higher levels of overall sexual satisfaction (X¯ = 109.2, S.D. = 25.0) compared to women (X¯ = 87.0, S.D. = 35.7), with W = 424, p = 0.01. Women tended to harbor more negative attitudes (X¯ = 15.5, S.D. = 6.8) towards sexuality than men (X¯ = 19.5, S.D. = 6.6), with W = 399 and p = 0.01.

The correlation between sexual satisfaction and attitudes towards sexuality in older adults was analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient. A result of –0.1 was obtained, indicating a weak and negative correlation between the two variables evaluated (p = 0.5).

A linear regression analysis was conducted using the sexual satisfaction score (dependent variable), attitudes score (independent), and sex as a dichotomous independent factor (male or female). The contribution of sex to the model was statistically significant (p = 0.01), with an expected Sexual Satisfaction Inventory score 26.5 points lower in women compared to men. The proposed model accounted for approximately 14.0% of the variability.

Conclusions: Despite not finding a correlation between attitudes and sexual satisfaction, the gender disparities in satisfaction levels indicate that attitudes may exert differential influence on men and women. These findings underscore the significance of integrating the gender dimension when addressing sexual satisfaction in older adults. Moreover, there appears to be a restricted perspective on individual sexuality, emphasizing the imperative to overcome cultural and religious stigmas that could impact the mental health and sexual well-being of this demographic.