Family doctors’ self-reported competence in the management of sexual health issues

Objectives. Sexual health is fundamental to the overall health of individuals and families, and the sustainable development of society. However, questions related to sexual health are rarely brought up in appointments with family doctors (FDs). We aimed to assess FDs’ self-reported competence in sexual medicine and to evaluate the need for education on sexual medicine in Latvia.
Materials and Methods. A quantitative cross-sectional study of FDs in Latvia was conducted in March–June 2022. The pre-piloted questionnaire consisted of fields: socio-demographic; self-reported competence in discussing and managing patients with sexual health issues; the source of education on sexual medicine and the need for further education. Self-completed questionnaires were distributed electronically to FDs who had an e-mail address registered at the two professional associations of FDs, paper surveys were conducted during the meetings. Data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results. 111 FDs participated in the study, the mean age was 55.1(± 12.5) years and 70.3%(n = 78) of responders working more than 10 years, 35.1%(n = 39) worked in Riga, 64.9%(n = 72) in other cities. Overall, the FDs reported medium competence in discussing and managing sexual health questions. The competence in discussing (V = 0.685, p < 0.001) and managing (V = 0.575, p < 0.001) sexual health questions with male or female patients was similar. FDs reported that if they do not feel competent in managing the problem, they usually refer patients to a gynecologist (84.7%, n = 94) or urologist (88.3%, n = 98). The most important source of education on sexual medicine was medical journals (71.2%, n = 79), followed by conferences (61.3%, n = 68). Most of the FDs participating in the study (89.2%, n = 99) would like to increase their knowledge on sexual medicine. The most preferred form of education was lectures (84.7%, n = 94), followed by online platforms (46.8%, n = 52).
Conclusions. Overall, the FDs reported a medium competence in the management of sexual health issues with patients. FDs expressed the need for further education in sexual medicine.