Evans, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6874-3845 (2022) Chapter 14. Sexual health is public health. In: Holland, Amanda, Phillips, Kate, Mosely, Michelle and Joomun, Lorraine, (eds.) Fundamentals for Public Health Practice. SAGE, London; California; New Delhi; Singapore, pp. 223-238. ISBN 978-1526496256; 978-1526496263; 978-1529765182

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Abstract

Sexual health is public health! A simple statement, but none the less true. Belfield et al. (2006: 17) state that sexual health is “vital to overall health and wellbeing”, an important point which health professionals aim to integrate into holistic client care (NMC, 2018). Any definition of holistic health, however, which does not include a full integration of sexual health and promotion of sexual well-being - equally, to all people, across the life course - is no more than lip-service to a philosophy, a tick-box exercise for Activities of Daily Living. This lip-service approach is contrary to genuine holism and equates to reductionism. Reductionistic healthcare treats physiological systems, not the person. Bold or controversial claims to make, or a call to public health action? This call to action will be explored in greater depth throughout this chapter.

This chapter supports practitioners in promoting a positive and respectful approach to sexuality, health and relationships. Equally, it raises awareness of definitions which can promote gender health, sexual health and well-being, supported by international human rights declarations, which are acknowledged as strategic imperatives within the wider, formal, Public Health agenda (Naidoo and Wills, 2016) .

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	erotophobia; Onanism; sexual health; sexual wellbeing; sexual pleasure; sexual rights
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Health Sciences (HEA)
Last Modified:	17 Nov 2023 09:30
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/42403

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