Lived Experiences of Sexuality and Sexual Functioning in Males with SCI: A Mixed-Methods Study-Reference-Cited by-同舟云学术

Lived Experiences of Sexuality and Sexual Functioning in Males with SCI: A Mixed-Methods Study

Published:2024-05-01 Issue:2 Volume:30 Page:37-53
ISSN:1082-0744
Container-title:Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
language:en
Short-container-title:

Author:

Lai Rachel¹,McKerchar Rory¹,Western Max J.²,Flannigan Ryan³⁴⁵,Krassioukov Andrei V.¹⁶⁷,Elliott Stacy¹⁸⁹,Nightingale Tom E.¹¹⁰

Affiliation:

1. 1International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

2. 2Centre for Motivation and Health Behaviour Change, Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdon

3. 3Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

4. 4Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

5. 5Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA

6. 6Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

7. 7GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

8. 8Vancouver Coastal Health, B.C. Centre for Sexual Medicine, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

9. 9Departments of Psychiatry and Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

10. 10School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in males with spinal cord injury (SCI) and has been recognized to be a key recovery priority. Objectives: This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study aimed to investigate the major themes linked to sexual functioning in males with chronic (>1 year) SCI. Methods: Twenty male participants with SCI, aged 25 to 59 years, completed validated questionnaires exploring sexual function/satisfaction and health-related quality of life and a semi-structured interview with an experienced sexual medicine physician. Sex hormone concentrations and metabolic biomarkers, along with body composition and habitual physical activity levels, were assessed. Interview recordings were transcribed and thematic analysis performed using combined COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior) and biopsychosocial models to identify and organize major contributors and barriers to sexual functioning. Results: Metabolic and hormonal biomarkers largely fell within normal physiological ranges despite reduced sexual functioning reported in our cohort (19/20 participants reported some degree of erectile dysfunction). Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts revealed 24 themes. Adaptability was important for improving sexual satisfaction. Attraction and attentiveness to sex and partners remained stable over time, while the desire for intimacy increased post injury. Sexual social norms, and comparisons to the able-bodied population, provided challenges for sexual activity and partnership. Environmental concerns regarding access to sexual health resources and accessible physical spaces during intimacy were relevant. Mood disorders and general life stressors negatively impacted sexual desire, while physical activity encouraged sexual activity. Conclusion: By considering a holistic view of sexuality in males with SCI, we identified key contributors and barriers to sexual functioning for the cohort studied.

Publisher

American Spinal Injury Association

Link

https://meridian.allenpress.com/tscir/article-pdf/30/2/37/3377029/i1537-2073-30-2-37.pdf

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