Barriers and facilitators to accessing sexual health services among middle-aged and older adults in the UK, including those with disabilities: a qualitative analysis

Background Middle-aged and older adults have unmet sexual health needs but often encounter challenges in accessing sexual health services (SHS). Individual, social, and environmental issues discourage middle-aged and older adults from accessing SHS. This study aimed to examine the barriers and facilitators experienced by middle-aged and older adults when accessing SHS in the UK. We included disabled people and sexual minorities with intersectional needs. Methods We organised semi-structured interviews with residents in England aged 45 years and older, including disabled people and sexual minorities. Participants were recruited using social media, primary care clinics, and community-based organisations. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Levesque et al.’s framework of healthcare access was used as a theoretical guide for analysing and presenting the study findings. After initial coding and theme generation, sub-themes of barriers and facilitators were mapped onto the healthcare access framework. Results The mean age of the 22 participants was 59 years with 15 men and 7 women. Participants included people of different ethnicities (White British, Black African, and White mixed), disabilities, and sexualities. These participants highlighted various barriers to accessing SHS. Physical obstacles, such as narrow corridors, were cited as significant hindrances, although accommodations, such as physical assistance, were noted to enhance accessibility. Additionally, participants noted the pervasive stigma surrounding sexual health in older adults, exacerbated by healthcare providers presuming asexuality within this demographic. To address these multi-faceted challenges, greater involvement of disabled older individuals in the design of SHS is advocated. This collaborative approach is believed to expedite the development of age-responsive clinical services, fostering inclusivity and accessibility while simultaneously addressing psychological and social barriers. Conclusions Our data suggest that physical inaccessibility and stigma are persistent barriers to accessing SHS for older disabled people. Increasing training for healthcare providers, further research, and supportive policies are needed to improve delivery and access to SHS for older adults, including those with disabilities in the UK.