Sexualidade num Portugal multicultural : estudo transcultural entre portugueses e imigrantes

Abstract

Despite Portugal’s multiculturalism, few studies have been done to understand if there are differences in sexual and reproductive health between Portuguese people and immigrants that justify a culturally sensitive approach from health care professionals. We aim to explore if there are differences regarding sexual and reproductive health indicators among the Portuguese and immigrants living in Portugal. This is a cross-sectional descriptive exploratory quantitative study. Across the non-probabilistic sampling, we gathered 935 participants (50.5% men and 49.5% women), aged 18-72 years living in Portugal. We used a questionnaire to collect socio-demographic data as well as information about sexual and reproductive health indicators. The results showed that there are some significant differences between the participants of different countries in what concerns condom use, masturbation frequency, history of pain during vaginal penetration, lack of sexual desire, delayed ejaculation or absence of ejaculation, and practice of female genital mutilation and circumcision. Due to the differences found, we advocate an increase in the cultural specific knowledge of sexuality by health professionals. We also believe sexual health promotion programs need to be adapted to acknowledge and integrate cultural differences. However, qualitative studies must be done to better understand the significations and behaviors related to sexual health of each country.

Date of Award	2018
Original language	Portuguese
Supervisor	Patrícia M. Pascoal (Supervisor) & JORGE MANUEL DOS SANTOS CARDOSO (Supervisor)