Sexual Health and Sexual Quality of Life Among Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury in Latin America

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2023 · DOI: 10.46292/sci21-00080 · Published: January 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Urology Participation

Simple Explanation

This study explores the sexual experiences and challenges faced by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Latin America. It highlights the lack of attention given to this important aspect of life after SCI and aims to understand the needs and attitudes towards sexuality among this population. The research involved an online survey completed by 248 individuals with SCI in Latin America, covering various aspects of sexuality, including changes experienced after the injury, access to information and counseling, and relationships with partners. The findings reveal a significant unmet need for education and support regarding sexuality after SCI, with many participants reporting a desire for information and interventions to improve their sexual well-being and quality of life.

Study Duration

June 3, 2021 and ended on July 5, 2021

Participants

248 individuals with SCI from Latin America

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The majority of participants (87.7%) reported changes in their sexuality after SCI, primarily physical (50.7%) and emotional (38.7%) problems, and changes in relationships (27.5%).
2
Most participants (81.9%) had not received information about sexuality after SCI during their hospital stay, but 98.1% would have liked to receive it.
3
A large percentage (66.1%) reported never being asked about sexual difficulties by a health professional after SCI.

Research Summary

This study investigated the impact of SCI on sexual health and QOL in Latin America, revealing that sexuality is an important but often overlooked topic among rehabilitation and health professionals. The findings indicate a significant gap in sexual education and rehabilitation services for individuals with SCI in Latin America, with most participants expressing a desire for information and support. The study underscores the need for healthcare professionals to address sexuality in a straightforward, nonjudgmental manner and to integrate discussions about sex into assessment and treatment plans.

Practical Implications

Educational Interventions

Develop and implement educational programs to inform individuals with SCI about the effects of injury on sexual function and well-being.

Clinical Practice

Integrate discussions about sexuality into routine assessments and treatment planning by healthcare professionals.

Counseling Services

Provide counseling and therapy services to address sexual difficulties, relationship changes, and body image concerns among individuals with SCI and their partners.

Study Limitations

1
The study used nonrandom sampling, limiting generalizability to all individuals with SCI in Latin America.
2
The online nature of the study likely excluded individuals with limited access to technology and internet.
3
The study did not collect information on the country of origin, preventing comparative analyses between countries.

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