A scoping review of suggested practices for healthcare providers when discussing sexuality with youth

Abstract

Addressing sexuality can support youth to thrive with positive development. Healthcare providers (HCPs) are uniquely positioned to offer such support given their professional knowledge and relationship with youth. This paper aims to identify and summarize suggestions to support HCPs to discuss sexuality with youth. A scoping review methodology was used and 17 studies were identified from four databases (i.e., Embase, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO). Six suggestions for practice were identified, including (i) establish a trusting relationship; (ii) create a safe and comfortable environment; (iii) ask for consent and keep conversation confidential; (iv) initiate the conversation; (v) use inclusive language; and (vi) discuss the psychosocial aspect of sexuality. It was also found that youth with a disability or chronic condition were under-represented in the literature. Future research should evaluate the clinical utility of these suggestions and how suggestions can be adapted to meet the sexuality needs of youth with a disability.