JNUR_V1_N1_A3 Nasreen Alwani Erum Jewani Saira Momin Anila Naveed Journal on Nursing 2231 – 4504 1 1 11 16 Sexual, Barrier, Health Care Provider, Issues The objective of the Literature Review Research is to investigate doctors and nurses' perceptions on their roles and practices in meeting patients' sexual health promotion needs to identify the barriers of talking sexual health issues with patients. A systematic search of the literature was performed for the period of January 1999 to 2009. A total 20 research articles were reviewed. The results of the literature review indicates that taking a sexual history is the first step towards appropriate diagnosis and therapeutic intervention for most patients, and is a fundamental part of holistic care. However, generally it is found from literature that health care team members and patients feel hesitation in talking about sexual problems and concerns originated because of certain disease processes. The barriers identified included lack of time, lack of knowledge, personal attitudes about sexuality, and patient lack of readiness. Another barrier is the discomfort health care providers and patients may feel about discussing sexuality. To accomplish the said objectives, the studies described attitudes and beliefs that might act as barriers to incorporating patient sexuality assessment and counseling into nursing / medical practice. The studies show that talking about sex-related topics is still repressed in patient–doctor encounters. It is an urgent matter to increase doctors /nurses awareness and clinical skills to deal with patients' sexual issues. February - April 2011 Copyright © 2011 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=1360