Attitudes of the elderly towards sexuality in the old age cartagena-colombia

Author: 
Estela Melguizo Herrera., Ana Acosta López and Imelda Orozco Mares

Introduction: Sexuality is a central aspect of human being, present throughout his life; it encompasses sex, gender identities and gender roles, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, reproduction and sexual orientation.

Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize the attitudes toward sexuality in old age of elderly of Cartagena, Colombia, 2015.

Method: A descriptive study. Population of 107,604 elderly from Cartagena, a sample of 632 people was randomly selected. The questionnaire "attitudes toward sexuality in old age" was applied. Descriptive statistics were used and ethical aspects were considered.

Results: Average age of 71 years (SD = 8.5), predominated 55.7% female gender, marital status married 39.6%, 49.6% primary school, 52.8% home occupation, living in socio-demographic stratum 2 ( poverty) and 38.2% with incomes between 171 - 341 USD per month and 34% live with an average of 4 people at home. In this study, the instrument reported a Cronbach's alpha of 0.704.

Conclusions: A less prejudiced attitude towards sexuality in old age prevailed, which could demonstrate knowledge and maturity on the subject. Contrast in the results of different cultural contexts is observed. More research is needed.

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DOI: 
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/ijcar.2017.7118.1082
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