Improving Health Provider Knowledge of Autoerotic and Erotic Asphyxiation

The goal of this project is to increase DNP students' knowledge about autoerotic (AEA) and erotic asphyxiation practices (EA) among patients in the clinical setting. An educational session was created to improve student knowledge of these practices. An assessment before and after the educational session was implemented to measure change in student knowledge. The educational session addressed identification of patients who practice AE and/or AEA, approaches to discuss the behavior with patients and education on the risks associated with these practices. Future use of this curriculum-based project is proposed for DNP students. Health providers do not consistently assess patient risk with sexual behaviors. Providers may lack knowledge in identifying patients who practice risky sexual behaviors and therefore may fail to address associated risks. Health providers need to be aware of risky practices, identify patients who may be engaged in risky behavior, and initiate meaningful conversation in order to educate patients about risks. This project aims to address the DNP student gap in knowledge about AEA and EA as risky sexual behaviors through an educational presentation. The project objectives include 1) assessment of DNP student participant knowledge about AEA and EA, 2) increase DNP student participant knowledge of AEA and EA, 3) disseminate the educational presentation and project results. Risk of morbidity and mortality for AEA and EA is significant but little is known about the practice, and it is not addressed sufficiently by health providers or school programs. Autoerotic asphyxiation (AEA) and erotic asphyxiation (EA) are sexual practices done by voluntarily depriving the brain of oxygen to induce a sexual stimulation through cerebral hypoxia. In 2004, there were an estimated 500-1000 deaths due to AEA. Risky sexual behaviors such as these are performed by all ages, but most commonly in adolescents and young adults. These behaviors are not usually discussed in school sexual education classes. Health providers may be unaware of these practices and consequently fail to identify and educate patients who engage in them. Adolescents and young adults are most at risk for this practice because of their propensity to engage in risky behaviors and initiate sexual activities at this age. Health provider knowledge about AEA and EA is necessary in order to address risks in all patients, and especially those in this age group. After a review of the literature, an educational module and electronic informational handout with key teaching points about AEA and EA were developed. Pre- and post-surveys were developed to assess effectiveness of the educational module. Before implementation, IRB approval was received. The pre-survey, educational module, and post-survey were emailed out to DNP student participants. Revisions were made to the educational module based upon the post-survey results and the revised educational module was given to selected DNP faculty who would teach this topic. Results from pre and post surveys showed participant increase in knowledge after the educational session. A presentation was given at a regional women's health conference. The risks associated with AEA and EA are not adequately addressed by health providers. Increasing health provider awareness and education is necessary. Increasing provider knowledge about sexual behaviors and their risks can improve patient outcomes through better informed assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and patient education.