Tailoring Sexual Health Interventions for Middle-Aged and Older Adults, Including Vulnerable Populations: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objective

This scoping review aims to synthesize existing literature on good practice in sexual health interventions for adults over 45 years and in vulnerable groups.

Methods

Using PRISMA-ScR guidelines, search terms focused on sexual health, good practice, and vulnerable groups, in over-45s.

Results

Of the nine studies that met the inclusion criteria, seven were focused on HIV and risk reduction. Use of alternative methods of communication, alongside inclusion of behavioral and cognitive measures such as condom use and perceived stigma, was key to tailoring interventions.

Conclusions

This review highlights the imperative for further research on sexual health interventions with these overlooked populations.

Keywords:

• Sexual health
• older adults
• intervention
• good practice
• communication

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the support of all partners and funders of the EU Interreg 2Seas SHIFT Project. Internal Review Board: Research approved by University of Chichester Internal Research Review Processes.

Disclosure Statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by the European Union Interreg 2Seas Fund grant number 2S06-031.