[Sexual expression and sexuality regulation in Spanish long-term care homes for the elderly].

OBJECTIVES: The study had three objectives: (a) To determine how staff perceives the frequency of different sexual expressions in long-term care facilities for older people; (2) to quantify policies aimed at guaranteeing residents' sexual rights in such institutions, and (3) to determine factors influencing the presence of these kind of policies.

METHODS: A total of 160 Directors of Nursing and 623 technical staff from Spanish long term care residential facilities completed a self-administered questionnaire including ítems to assess the experience and estimated frequency of different sexual expressions, an inventory of policies regarding sexual expression, and the Spanish version of the Person-Centred Care Assessment Tool.

RESULTS: Certain sexual behaviours, such as kisses and hugs, or masturbation, are very frequent in nursing homes. Many participants have reported to staff members on having witnessed inappropriate sexual behaviours, such as exhibitionism (39%) or unwanted touching (27%). Policies in relation to guaranteeing residents' sexual rights were the most frequently mentioned. In contrast, there were fewer participants who mentioned policies regarding training or availability of helpful materials and resources. Factors such as occupational level (Directors of Nursing vs.technical staff), personal education, the centre commitment to person-centred care, and estimated frequency of sexual behaviour were associated with a higher presence of sexual expression policies.

CONCLUSION: Although sexual behaviours among residents are quite frequent, there is still room for improvement in policies that support residents' expression of sexuality. Person-centred care models might help to guarantee sexual rights of older people living in long-term care facilities.