PhD Study : Developing and evaluating a resource for older people to maximise their sexual wellbeing

Summary

BACKGROUND:

Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the population in the UK. Many of these adults want and need to be close to others as they grow older. For some, this includes the desire to continue an active, satisfying sex life. While the frequency of sex activity often declines with age, many older adults can and do have sex. Alongside this, many older people express a need for continued intimacy and keeping physically and emotionally connected with partners. That said, and even though sexual wellbeing is considered an important measure of the quality of life for the majority of older adults, there are a number of problems that can arise with age. From the normal aging process to medical conditions to the partner gap, there are many changes that can affect the sexual wellbeing of older adults regarding, feeling satisfied with their sex and intimate lives. Although sexual wellbeing is a vital part of general health, healthcare professionals are ill prepared in understanding and addressing the sexual challenges faced by older adults.

This has resulted in sexual care not be adequately addressed. Cultural ignorance,  creates misinformation and stereotypes about older adult sexuality. Evidence of agism regarding sexual care provision is well known.  Older adults themselves have been denied important sexual health information and support.  Many have internalised these negative messages and are not proactive in getting the support they need to get their sexual needs met. Many people have a need for sexual wellbeing information and optimal sexual experience, regardless of their age. Yet challenges of physical frailty, chronic illnesses, lack of privacy, safety, and consent are often neglected by healthcare professionals. Maximising the sexual wellbeing of older adults as part of their overall health is significantly under researched and often unaddressed.

Healthcare professionals  acknowledge they are not trained to address sexual wellbeing issues and frequently ignore or underestimate older adults’ sexual health concerns. Problems with intimacy and sexual wellbeing in older people are often not recognised and generally go untreated. Research has focused on ‘ill health’ rather than promoting ‘wellbeing’.  A more ‘person-centred’ and less ‘disease-focused’ approach is required to promote the sexual wellbeing of older people.

The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a personalised, tailored, resource for older people to promote their sexual wellbeing. Through a ‘person based approach’ a systematic literature review, qualitative interviews and the input of an expert group, a tailored based intervention will be developed.  Following iterative formal evaluation of the will take place.

This evaluation will include both qualitative and quantitative methods. The proposed supervisory team has extensive experience in conducting studies of this kind.  Prof McCaughan has expertise in the ‘Person based approach’ methodology and her research relates to sexual wellbeing. Dr Laird and Prof Ryan have clinical and research experience in the care of older people.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living