Elia Zanin1, Sara Salizzato2, Edoardo Nicolò Aiello3, Carl Froilan D Leochico4,5, Reynaldo R Rey-Matias4,5, Paolo Pauletto2, Stefano Masiero6, Humberto A Cerrel Bazo2,6. 1. Ospedale Riabilitativo di Alta Specializzazione (ORAS)-ULSS 2 TV, Motta di Livenza, TV, Italy. elia.zanin@ospedalemotta.it. 2. Ospedale Riabilitativo di Alta Specializzazione (ORAS)-ULSS 2 TV, Motta di Livenza, TV, Italy. 3. PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy. 4. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines. 5. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, St. Luke's Medical Center, Global City and Quezon City, Philippines. 6. Department of Neuroscience-Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Padova, Medical School, Padova, Italy.
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional explorative observational study. TITLE: Sexual satisfaction in people with spinal cord injury and their partners: an explorative study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the determinants of sexual satisfaction among individuals with spinal cord injury and relative partners by assuming a bio-psycho-social perspective. SETTING: Online survey. METHODS: Thirty-eight individuals (22 individuals with SCI and their partners) were provided with an anonymous self-report questionnaire. Bio-psycho-social dimensions were investigated by using the Barthel Modified Index, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Sexual attitudes of participants were assessed via the Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire (Snell, 1993). RESULTS: While no differences were observed between individuals with SCI and their partners, women with SCI were overall more satisfied about their sexual life when compared to men with SCI. Coping strategies promoting self-efficacy and an active role in the sexual issues were predictive of Sexual Satisfaction in the couples of persons with SCI and their partners. No significant contribution was played by physical variables. CONCLUSION: A tailored-made approach assessing the needs of both individuals with SCI and partners is a key aspect for effective sexual rehabilitation protocols. According to the needs and features of each couple, health professionals should drive individuals with SCI and partners to cope with their sexuality within a bio-psycho-social framework underlying it.
STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional explorative observational study. TITLE: Sexual satisfaction in people with spinal cord injury and their partners: an explorative study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the determinants of sexual satisfaction among individuals with spinal cord injury and relative partners by assuming a bio-psycho-social perspective. SETTING: Online survey. METHODS: Thirty-eight individuals (22 individuals with SCI and their partners) were provided with an anonymous self-report questionnaire. Bio-psycho-social dimensions were investigated by using the Barthel Modified Index, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Sexual attitudes of participants were assessed via the Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire (Snell, 1993). RESULTS: While no differences were observed between individuals with SCI and their partners, women with SCI were overall more satisfied about their sexual life when compared to men with SCI. Coping strategies promoting self-efficacy and an active role in the sexual issues were predictive of Sexual Satisfaction in the couples of persons with SCI and their partners. No significant contribution was played by physical variables. CONCLUSION: A tailored-made approach assessing the needs of both individuals with SCI and partners is a key aspect for effective sexual rehabilitation protocols. According to the needs and features of each couple, health professionals should drive individuals with SCI and partners to cope with their sexuality within a bio-psycho-social framework underlying it.