Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Individuals Post Stroke.

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 9612022 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1471-2865 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 13582267 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Physiother Res Int Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: 2006- : Hoboken, NJ : John Wiley & Sons
Original Publication: London ; Lawrence, KS : Whurr Publishers, c1996-

Quality of Life* ; Stroke*/complications ; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological*/etiology; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Stroke Rehabilitation ; Adult ; Sexual Behavior

Background: Sexual function is commonly affected post stroke and impacts an individual's quality of life. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with sexual function in an individual post stroke and the association with quality of life.
Method: This cross-sectional study included 56 participants who had a stroke between three and 24 months prior. The participants were assessed for: level of disability with the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS); quality of life with the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale (SSQOL); and sexual function with the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14), and an open-ended questionnaire was administered.
Results: The average age of the participants was 51.32 (SD = ±13.24) years, with 32 (57.1%) males and 24 (42.9%) females. According to the CSFQ-14, the majority of the study participants (n = 35, 62.5%) had sexual dysfunction after their stroke. The factors associated with sexual dysfunction post stroke included age, disability, comorbidities, psychosocial factors such as self-esteem, role changes, and depression. Those with sexual dysfunction were found to have a lower mean SSQOL score (139.94 ± 33.89) than those without sexual dysfunction (149.76 ± 33.77), however, there was no significant difference (p = 0.298) between the groups. Majority of the participants (n = 37; 66.1%) did not know that healthcare professionals can assist with sexual dysfunction.
Conclusion: The majority of participants experienced sexual dysfunction after their stroke. Factors such as pain, difficulty with positioning, self-esteem issues, lack of motivation, and change in desire, are important considerations for the multidisciplinary team in the rehabilitation of a patient's sexual function post stroke.
Trial Registration: This cross-sectional study did not require study registration.
(© 2024 The Author(s). Physiotherapy Research International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

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South African Society of Physiotherapy

Keywords: quality of life; rehabilitation services; sexuality; stroke

Date Created: 20241109 Date Completed: 20241109 Latest Revision: 20241109

20241115

10.1002/pri.70004

39520205