Healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice with addressing sexual health among people living with inflammatory bowel disease: A UK cross-sectional survey

Background Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) affect multiple aspects of well-being, including sexual health (SH). Although sexual dysfunction (SD) is widely prevalent among people living with IBD, patients report a lack of proactive discussion of SH by healthcare providers (HCPs). The study aimed to assess HCPs’ knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to assessing SH in patients living with IBD in the United Kingdom. Methods An adapted 32-item questionnaire survey was conducted between January and September 2024. The survey was distributed to various IBD HCPs through diverse professional and organizational networks in the United Kingdom. The survey collected information on HCP demographics and practice patterns regarding SH. Logistic regression analysis identified factors that were associated with HCP comfort in discussing SH. Results The survey was completed by 249 eligible participants (53% female). Forty-one percent of HCPs estimated SD prevalence at 10% to 25% in general for IBD patients, while 33% did not know the SD prevalence among their IBD patients. Despite 65% of HCPs feeling “very” or “somewhat” comfortable discussing sexual function, only 9% routinely discussed this with patients. While HCPs stated lack of time (70%), unclear referral pathways (55%) and insufficient knowledge (51%) as main barriers, HCPs (95%) were interested in further education on SH. Conclusions Although HCPs recognize SD as an important aspect of IBD care, it is often neglected. Time pressures, limited knowledge, and unclear referral pathways are key barriers that hinder HCPs from engaging with patients on SH. HCPs express a strong interest in further education on SH.