Sexual activities as a topic in the Austrian training of occupational therapists

Background: Sexuality is a central aspect in human life (WHO, 2006). Sexual activities are considered ADLs in the AOTA-Framework (AOTA, 2014) and are mentioned in the ICF (DIMDI, 2005). Sexual activity as a meaningful... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Sexuality is a central aspect in human life (WHO, 2006). Sexual activities are considered ADLs in the AOTA-Framework (AOTA, 2014) and are mentioned in the ICF (DIMDI, 2005). Sexual activity as a meaningful occupation is relevant for OTs, e.g. when sexual activities are hindered after injuries or illness (Hattjar et al., 2012). Research shows that this topic is not routinely addressed in OT, depending on the influence of local culture, OTs attitudes towards sexuality of disabled people and the lack of competence to address and treat the sexual concerns of their clients. The majority of OTs report that they would need more training in dealing with sexual issues (Couldrick, 1998; Hyland & McGrath, 2013; Mc Grath & Lynch, 2014; Penna & Sheehy, 2000; Yallop & Fitzgerald, 1997). Sexuality is mentioned as important by OT students as well (Agnew, Poulsen, & Maas, 1985; Valvano et al., 2014). They anticipate their level of discomfort as very high in various clinical situations with sexual connotations, largely due to a lack of preparation and education on topics related to sexuality (Jones, Weerakoon, & Pynor, 2005).
This leads to the research question „How does the training of OTs in Austria integrate topics on clients‘sexuality as part of their bachelor-degree-curricula?”

Method:
Data will be gathered through questionnaires for students and lecturers, which will be sent to all Austrian institutions running an OT Bachelor Degree Programme and will be analysed by using descriptive statistics.

Results, conclusion and application to practice are expected in May 2016.