Holistic approach to the analysis of sexual health within Chilean
sub-cultures
L.L. Purcell, H.S. Povea-Pacci
University of Newcastle, Faculty of Health, Newcastle, Australia
Context: The concept of ‘sexual health’ encompasses physical,
mental and social aspects, each incorporating further integral components. All
sub-factors combine to determine the subjective quality of sexual health, and in
essence the status and modality of sexual health. As such, it is important to
consider these qualities, in analysis and/or comparison of sexual health in a
community and/or it’s sub-sectors.
Objectives: To reflect utilising a holistic approach, the status of
sexual health in Chile by demonstrating the variance in sexual health, and
access to appropriate healthcare across a sub-cultural spectrum.
Methods: An investigation into the variance in sexual health and
access to healthcare across diverging sub-cultures was accomplished; utilising
the techniques of participant observation and 3-dimensional inquisition/interview
conducted in the native language (Spanish). The research method basis remained
grounded in the integration of existing health indicator models; in addition to
specifically devised questionnaires, of both quantitative and qualitative nature.
All completed questionnaires were fielded for transcription, translation and
evaluation.
Main Outcomes: The 13 sub-cultures selected for analysis reflected a
discrepancy in sexual health quality within the Chilean community, surpassing
socio-economical and gender barriers. The results of the study indicated that
indeed the community is anti-gregariously sectioned on the basis of
socio-economical determinants, and that this division impairs the distribution
of access to healthcare and one’s sexual health. A further derivation from the
investigation demonstrated the importance and efficacy of individual perception
of ‘good’ sexual health, in determining and evaluating sexual health as a
status.
Conclusion: The Chilean community is non-egalitarian; producing a
fragmented society, segmented on the basis of socioeconomic dynamics. This
subdivision adversely impacts health equity as a concept, causing a stratified
distribution of healthcare. This inherent societal fragmentation impinges upon
the quality of sexual health maintained by an individual, and thereby influences
the direction of the sexual health of the community as an entity.
