Module: Sexuality & Sexual Health Issues in Nursing

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Sexuality & Sexual Health Issues in Nursing
Module Code	NUR1038 (ITS: NS291)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will explore issues around sexuality and sexual health in nursing practice. Students will explore a variety of topics during the including sexuality, sexual health, impact of physical illness on sexuality,sexual abuse. The module is delivered using an interactive student focused style.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the importance of and challenges facing nurses in addressing sexuality/sexual health issues among individuals within healthcare contexts.
2. Evaluate the impact of physical/ psychosocial/ intellectual health, gender, sexual orientation, age, cultural norms on sexuality and sexual behaviour.
3. Show how being awareness of your own sexuality can impact on care provided in a variety of care settings.
4. Explain the theories and principles of sexual health & sexual health promotion.
5. Describe the impact of sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive health on the individual, family and society.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	30	No Description
Seminars	6	No Description
Independent Study	89	student self direction
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20813	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Denise Proudfoot	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Practical/skills evaluation	Group presentation and individual reflective piece.	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

What is Sexuality? Revision of Reproductive System – anatomy and function
Sexuality from personal perspectives Sexual practice and behaviour Sexual orientation, motivation and appetite Influences on sexuality and sexual behaviour; body image, self esteem, gender, gender identification, age, cultural norms Sexuality and sexual behaviour across the lifespan Sexuality and intimacy Sexuality and relationships

What is sexual health?
Sexual Health Assessment Skills Sexually transmitted infections HIV/AIDS Sexual/reproductive dysfunction; impotence, infertility Sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape

Sexuality/sexual health issues among people who have physical, psychosocial/ intellectual/cognitive health problems
Expression of sexuality in healthcare settings Facilitating sexual education, sexual responsibility and empowerment Sexual risk assessment among people who are vulnerable Sex and ethics

Sexual health interventions
Sexual Health Promotion – including support regarding sexual behaviour and contraception support Sexual /relationship counselling and therapy Support for people who have been sexually abused/assaulted

Indicative Reading List

Books:

French Kathy: 2009, Sexual Health,
Suzanne Everett: 2025, Handbook of Contraception and Sexual Health, 5th, Routledge, 0, 9781032777047
Laws T: 2006, A Handbook of Men s Health,
Anne Katz,Taylor & Francis Group: 2021, Sexuality and Illness: A Guidebook for Health Professionals, Ist, Routledge, 200, 9780367703356
Kevan Wylie: 2015, ABC of Sexual Health., 3rd, . Blackwell BMJ Books, UK,
Wilson H & MacAndrew S: 2000, Sexual Health Promotion-foundations for Practice,, Bailliere Tindall,
Anne Nolan & Emer Smyth: 2025, Sexual health literacy and sexual health behaviours among young adults in Ireland, ERSI, Ireland,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Publication, Healthy Ireland, 2025, National Sexual Health Strategy, 2025 – 2035,