Evaluation of Sexual Function and Its Contributing Factors in Men With Spinal Cord Injury Using a Self-Administered Questionnaire

Abstract

Sexual activity is an important aspect of life in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), rated as one of the top priorities for recovery of function. This study was conducted to establish an understanding of the severity of erectile dysfunction (ED), a major component of male sexual activity, and its correlates in patients with SCI in our community. In a crosssectional study, 37 male veterans with SCI admitted for regular follow-up at our center were recruited. Demographic and SCI-related descriptive information was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire. Sexual Health Inventory for Men was used to assess the presence and severity of ED. Euro Quality of Life questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were also administered. The mean age of the participants was 45.7 ± 6.5 years with injury duration of 24.7 ± 6.2 years. Mean GHQ-12 score of 3.65 ± 3.38 and mean Sexual Health Inventory for Men score of 11.57 ± 5.28 were measured. All participants had ED, and 27% were suffering from severe ED. Sleep deprivation, worse GHQ-12 score, and hypertension were significantly associated with higher risk of much severe ED (p < .05). In conclusion, ED is a common problem in veterans with SCI and is inversely associated with their general health status.

Atividade sexual na lesão medular: construção e validação de cartilha educativa

“…For tetraplegic patients, this worry is secondary, because regaining the motor function is their priority, given the greater impairment of motricity and mobility they suffer. (2,(4)(5)(6) Sexual satisfaction is an important aspect of the life of people with spinal cord injury, and different treatment methods for sexual dysfunctions and adaptations in sex life must be considered to improve the quality of life of these people. (6,7) Healthcare professionals have the responsibility to promote sex education of people with spinal cord injury to reduce the impact of the condition on sexuality and the sexual function and improve the quality of life of these patients.…”

Measuring Sexual Performance: Development and Psychometric Properties of the Sexual Performance Questionnaire in Iranian People with Spinal Cord Injury

“…People living with SCI can go beyond genital sex and promote their sexual motivation, capacities, and performance. Importantly, however, research findings have found that couples must receive sexual rehabilitation after SCI to maintain their partnership [48].…”

Instrumentos de avaliação da sexualidade em homens e mulheres após a lesão medular

“…As amostras dos estudos foram heterogêneas em relação ao gênero dos indivíduos incluídos. A população mais prevalente foi de apenas homens 1,6,8,10,15,22 ou de homens e mulheres, sendo nesse caso a porcentagem de mulheres menor. 7,12,13,[16][17][18][19][20][21] Essa prevalência de homens pode ser decorrente da predominância masculina entre os indivíduos traumaticamente lesados e também pelo fato de que a disfunção sexual feminina pode ser considerada menos problemática para as mulheres do que para os homens, pois ainda existe a crença de que as mulheres possuem um papel passivo na relação sexual.…”

“…Alguns estudos 8,10,[12][13][14][15][16] incluíram instrumentos de avaliação de fatores não específicos da sexualidade, mas que estão intimamente relacionados a ela. Dentre os instrumentos, pode-se citar: EuroQol, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), Mood Adjective Check List (MACL), Spinal Functional Ability Scale (S-FAS) e International SCI Basic QoL Data Set.…”

“…6,7 Sendo assim, é importante estabelecer a compreensão dos mecanismos sexuais e de seus correlatos, com fatores demográficos relacionados a lesão medular, saúde geral e fatores de qualidade de vida. 8 A disfunção sexual nesses indivíduos pode ser decorrente de vários fatores, como alteração da sensibilidade, distúrbios eréteis e autonômicos, problemas psicológicos, difícil posicionamento para a relação sexual e complicações, como dor neuropática, incontinência urinária e fecal e úlceras de pressão. 6 A avaliação dos aspectos da sexualidade nessa população é importante para que os profissionais da área da saúde avaliem as limitações e intervenham de forma eficaz, atinjam os melhores padrões de prática e assim, melhorem a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos com lesão medular.…”