Training needs of German healthcare professionals regarding sexual health and sex workers: results of a nationwide, cross-sectional survey
2024

Training Needs of German Healthcare Professionals on Sexual Health

Sample size: 347 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sabrina Reinehr, Nina R. Neuendorff, Raquel van der Veen, Benedikt P. Langenbach, Andreas Thieme

Primary Institution: University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany

Hypothesis

The perceived quality of training is associated with feeling comfortable when treating sexual health problems and sex workers.

Conclusion

German healthcare professionals feel inadequately trained in sexual health issues and the specific healthcare needs of sex workers.

Supporting Evidence

  • Most participants felt comfortable treating sexual health problems, but many reported inadequate training.
  • About 60% of respondents felt inadequately trained regarding sexual health issues.
  • There was a positive correlation between comfort levels and perceived training quality.

Takeaway

Doctors and medical students in Germany don't feel well-prepared to help people with sexual health issues, especially sex workers, even though they feel somewhat comfortable discussing these topics.

Methodology

An online survey was conducted with 508 participants, including physicians, psychotherapists, and medical students, to assess their perceived training and comfort levels regarding sexual health.

Potential Biases

Potential self-selection bias as individuals with a special interest in the topic may have participated more frequently.

Limitations

The sample may not be representative of all healthcare professionals in Germany, and there may be self-selection bias among participants.

Participant Demographics

347 participants: 154 medical students (44.4%), 130 physicians (37.5%), 63 psychologists (18.1%); median ages were 23.9 for students and 40.4 for physicians.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.000

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s12909-024-06551-3

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