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Orientador(es)
Resumo(s)
Introdução: A sexualidade é uma dimensão essencial da saúde humana e do bem-estar
global dos indivíduos. Contudo, a sua abordagem em contexto clínico continua a ser
frequentemente negligenciada. A comunicação entre médicos e doentes acerca da vida
sexual revela-se, assim, um desafio persistente que compromete a prestação de cuidados
verdadeiramente holísticos. Em Portugal, a investigação sobre esta temática é ainda
escassa, tornando-se pertinente o aprofundamento do conhecimento sobre as práticas e
perspetivas dos profissionais de saúde.
Objetivos e Metodologia: Este estudo tem como principal objetivo compreender a
comunicação entre médicos e doentes sobre a sexualidade e identificar obstáculos à
abordagem da vida sexual na perspetiva do médico, a fim de permitir desenvolver
estratégias de abordagem da sexualidade no contexto clínico. Para isso, foi aplicado um
inquérito digital e anónimo, enviado por e-mail aos médicos internos de formação
especializada e especialistas das várias especialidades da Unidade Local de Saúde Cova
da Beira (ULSCBEIRA), tendo sido previamente testado e aprovado pela Comissão de
Ética da ULSCBEIRA.
Resultados: A amostra foi constituída por 33 médicos de nove especialidades da
ULSCBEIRA, predominando o género feminino (72,7%) e profissionais em início de
carreira (60,6% com <5 anos de experiência). A maioria classificou a sexualidade como
“muito” ou “moderadamente importante” (78,8%) e aborda o tema com os doentes
“ocasionalmente” ou “frequentemente” (69,7%). Verificou-se uma correlação entre a
importância atribuída à sexualidade e a sua frequência de abordagem (p < 0,001). Apesar
disso, 54,5% dos médicos acreditam que os doentes não se sentem à vontade para discutir
o tema. As principais barreiras comunicacionais referidas foram a perceção de vergonha
por parte do doente (78,8%), falta de tempo (66,7%) e falta de formação (48,5%). A
maioria dos profissionais considera extremamente ou muito relevante melhorar a
sexualidade do doente para o seu bem-estar global (57,6%) e reconhece a necessidade de
formação complementar nesta área (90,9%).
Conclusão: O estudo demonstra que, apesar do reconhecimento da relevância da
sexualidade para a saúde do doente, persistem barreiras estruturais e formativas que
dificultam a sua abordagem em consulta. A integração sistemática da saúde sexual na
formação médica, bem como a criação de estratégias clínicas adaptadas e culturalmente sensíveis, são cruciais para promover uma Medicina mais centrada no doente, inclusiva
e humana.
Introduction: : Sexuality is an essential dimension of human health and overall wellbeing. However, its discussion in clinical settings remains frequently neglected. Dialogue between physicians and patients regarding sexual health continues to pose challenges that limit the delivery of truly holistic care. In Portugal, research in this area remains scarce, underlining the importance of exploring healthcare professionals’ practices and perspectives. Objectives and Methodology: This study aims to explore physician–patient communication regarding sexuality and to identify the main barriers to addressing sexual health, from the physician perspective. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of effective strategies for integrating sexuality into clinical practice. To this end, an anonymous digital survey was distributed via email to physicians from various specialties at the Local Health Unit of Cova da Beira. The survey instrument was previously tested and approved by the Ethics Committee of the same institution. Results: The sample consisted of 33 physicians from nine medical specialties at ULS Cova da Beira, with a predominance of female participants (72.7%) and early-career professionals (60.6% with less than five years of experience). Most classified sexuality as either very or moderately important (78.8%) and reported addressing the topic with patients occasionally or frequently (69.7%). A correlation was found between the perceived importance of sexuality and the frequency with which it is addressed (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, 54.5% of physicians believe that patients do not feel comfortable discussing the topic. The main communication barriers identified were the perception of shame on the part of the patient (78.8%), lack of time (66.7%), and lack of professional training (48.5%). Most physicians considered improving patients' sexual health to be extremely or very relevant to their overall well-being (57.6%) and acknowledged the need for further training in this area (90.9%). Conclusion: Despite recognizing its importance for patient health, physicians still face structural and educational obstacles to properly addressing sexuality in clinical consultations. Integrating sexual health education into medical training and developing culturally sensitive and structured clinical strategies are essential steps toward a more inclusive, patient-centered, and humanized approach to care.
Introduction: : Sexuality is an essential dimension of human health and overall wellbeing. However, its discussion in clinical settings remains frequently neglected. Dialogue between physicians and patients regarding sexual health continues to pose challenges that limit the delivery of truly holistic care. In Portugal, research in this area remains scarce, underlining the importance of exploring healthcare professionals’ practices and perspectives. Objectives and Methodology: This study aims to explore physician–patient communication regarding sexuality and to identify the main barriers to addressing sexual health, from the physician perspective. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of effective strategies for integrating sexuality into clinical practice. To this end, an anonymous digital survey was distributed via email to physicians from various specialties at the Local Health Unit of Cova da Beira. The survey instrument was previously tested and approved by the Ethics Committee of the same institution. Results: The sample consisted of 33 physicians from nine medical specialties at ULS Cova da Beira, with a predominance of female participants (72.7%) and early-career professionals (60.6% with less than five years of experience). Most classified sexuality as either very or moderately important (78.8%) and reported addressing the topic with patients occasionally or frequently (69.7%). A correlation was found between the perceived importance of sexuality and the frequency with which it is addressed (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, 54.5% of physicians believe that patients do not feel comfortable discussing the topic. The main communication barriers identified were the perception of shame on the part of the patient (78.8%), lack of time (66.7%), and lack of professional training (48.5%). Most physicians considered improving patients' sexual health to be extremely or very relevant to their overall well-being (57.6%) and acknowledged the need for further training in this area (90.9%). Conclusion: Despite recognizing its importance for patient health, physicians still face structural and educational obstacles to properly addressing sexuality in clinical consultations. Integrating sexual health education into medical training and developing culturally sensitive and structured clinical strategies are essential steps toward a more inclusive, patient-centered, and humanized approach to care.
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Abordagem Médica da Sexualidade Educação Médica Prática Clínica Profissionais de Saúde Sexualidade
