(O-01) Skills for addressing sexuality in healthcare professionals’ consultations - Uruguay 2025 survey results

Abstract Introduction In Uruguay, sexuality training in medicine, psychology, and technical programs is scarce and insufficient. This paper presents the skills needed to address sexuality in professional consultations in Uruguay in 2025, highlighting the gaps in training. Methods We conducted a survey using Google Forms for healthcare professionals, physicians, psychologists, nurses, health care administrators, and technical careers, between March 7 and 31, 2025. Results We obtained 366 responses, the age distribution was 45% between 36 and 50 years, 51 and 65 years 30% and 22% between 20 and 35 years. The distribution in terms of profession is: 55.5% doctors, 15.8% nurses, 13.9% midwives and 9.6% psychologists. Only 7% considered training in sexuality was sufficient, and the remaining 93% said that training was scarce, nonexistent or insufficient. Regarding skills: 35% of respondents addresses the topic and the majority, 64.8% do not address it or do so, only if the client asks. Surprisingly, 65.5% of participants feel fairly confident in addressing questions about sexuality, while the rest feel uncomfortable, afraid, or anxious. 87.7% recognize the importance of addressing sexuality, yet lack sufficient tools. Conclusions This survey gives a general picture of the situation. It’s not surprising that there is little or no undergraduate training among the various professions, and that the percentage of professionals who receive training outside their specialty is low. This training is acquired through formal and informal education; many feel they have the skills to address the topic, acknowledging their lack of specific training. This training is time consuming and requires an economical investment that is not accessible to everyone; this should be taken into account by public education in Uruguay. Sexuality is an opportunity to improve health, safe, healthy, consensual, and pleasurable relationships; with qualified support from academically trained professionals. Financing No conflict.