Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sexual function amongst adult individuals with spina
bifida and to register their subjective satisfaction with their sexual life and relationships. SETTING: Department for Spinal Cord Injuries, East Denmark. STUDY DESIGN : Cohort study. Medical record information, neurological
examination, personal interview, Functional Independence Measure (FIMTM), Medical
Outcome Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) on quality of life, and questions on sexual
function and related topics. Study cohort: Fifty-three participants (27 women, 26
men) with spina bifida (mean age 27.1, range 18-35) years. Response rate 74%.
RESULTS: Fifty-one percent of subjects regarded their sexual life as a failure or
dysfunctional. However, 45% reported being satisfied with their sexual life.
Participants with partners were more satisfied with their sexual life than those
without partners. Faecal, but not urinary, incontinence was associated with
poorer sexual function and less satisfaction. Forty-nine percent of subjects
indicated that the sexual education they received at puberty was useful; however,
32% lacked knowledge about their sexual functioning with regard to their disability. CONCLUSION: There is a need for further sexual education and counselling for adults with spina bifida in order to improve their sexuality and quality of life.

Langue : ANGLAIS