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Abstract

Novel Research in Sciences

Sexuality and Terminal illness: A Forgotten Topic

  • Open or CloseImelda Orozco Mares1* and Katya Rábago-Olivares2

    1PhD in Social Sciences, Populational Health Sciences, México

    2Master in Gerontology, Populational Health Sciences Department, México

    *Corresponding author: Imelda Orozco Mares, PhD in Social Sciences, Populational Health Sciences, Jalisco, México

Submission: July 27, 2021;Published: August 16, 2021

Abstract

This short review shows the preliminary results of a larger ethnographic study with terminally ill patients, their families and the medical team. Sexuality in this last stage of life is put on the back burner even by the sick themselves. Their intimacy is lost, because the family and the health care team put the symptoms of the diseases before the emotional and social needs of the patient. Home care arrangements expose their bodies and their “shame”. It is urgent that even palliative care incorporates in the integral care the valuation and attention to the sexuality of each person.

Keywords: Sexuality; Terminal ill; Patients; Cancer; Palliative care

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