[What are the sexual discomforts of the institutionalized elderly and what do nurses know about the problem?].

The aims of this study were to identify the sexual problems of elderly people institutionalised in 2 nursing-homes and to find out how much the caregivers employed at these homes know about the sexuality-related problems affecting the elderly people they care for. Two questionnaires were issued: one to the residents of the home, the other to the caregivers. Results showed that the caregivers had very little awareness of sexuality in elderly people and of the particular problems and discomfort of those living in institutions. Discomfort was mainly due to loneliness, difficulty in communicating with caregivers about sentimental and sexual needs, finding new partners and lack of communication between the elderly person and his relatives regarding sexuality-related problems.