Article

Sexual activity is an integral part of life; it is important to
address sexual health after stroke, but this is often poorly done. OBJECTIVE: To
assess the effectiveness of a structured sexual rehabilitation programme compared
with written information alone regarding sexual and psychological functioning
(anxiety, depression, stress), functional independence and quality of life in an
Australian stroke cohort. METHODS: A total of 68 participants were randomized to
a structured sexual rehabilitation programme (treatment group; n = 35) or to
written information alone (control group; n = 33). Outcome measures included:
Sexual Functioning Questionnaire Short Form; Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale;
Functional Independence Measure, and Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39
Generic. Assessments were performed at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months after the
intervention. Participant's preferences regarding how they would like to receive
information, who from, and how frequently, were collected at baseline. RESULTS:
There was no difference between groups for any outcome measures. Half of the
participants (51%) wished to receive information and were divided equally into
preferring written information vs face-to-face counselling, with the majority
(54%) preferring information after discharge from an inpatient setting.
CONCLUSION: Provision of written information alone appears to be as effective as
a 30-min individualized sexual rehabilitation programme in an inpatient setting.
Further research is needed regarding longer term outcomes and outpatient
settings.

Langue : ANGLAIS