JournalTOCs

Sexuality and Disability
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.477

Citation Impact (citeScore): 1
Number of Followers: 18

Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
ISSN (Print) 1573-6717 - ISSN (Online) 0146-1044
Published by Springer-Verlag

[2652 journals]

The Effects of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training and Behavioral Training on
Sexual Dysfunction, Incontinence, Physical Activity Level and Quality of
Life in the Elderly
- Abstract: Alterations in hormonal balance, especially with ageing, cause many pelvic floor problems such as urinary incontinence, lack of interest in or desire for sex and inactivity. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of pelvic floor muscle exercise and behavioral training programs on sexual function, incontinence, quality of life and physical activity level in the elderly. A total of 94 elderly subjects were separated into two groups as the pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) group and the behavioral training for pelvic floor dysfunctions (BT) group. A (1-h program was applied twice a week for 8 weeks). Evaluations pre and post-training were made using the Female Sexual Function Inventory, the International Index of Erectile Function, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, SEAPI quality of life scale, and Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. In the post-treatment comparisons, the PFMT group was superior to the BT group in all parameters (z: − 4.21–0.00, p:0.00–0.02). The results of this study suggest that pelvic floor muscle training could be beneficial if added to rehabilitation programs for the elderly to obtain less sexual dysfunction and, incontinence, and better incontinence-related quality of life and physical activity levels.
  PubDate: 2021-03-10
Nursing Students’ Perspectives on Sexual Development of Children
with Intellectual Disability
- Abstract: This descriptive study aimed to determine the perspectives of nursing students regarding sexual development of children with intellectual disability. This study was conducted with 455 nursing students at the Faculty of Health Sciences in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey over the period September–November 2020. Data were collected from the students by e-mail. The instruments used to collect the data were a “Personal Charateristics Form” and the “Perspectives on Sexual Development of Children with Intellectual Disability Questionnaire,” which were prepared by the researchers. In this study, 55.4% of the students had previously received training on sexual development and health, and the source of education for 41.5% consisted of the courses taken in their undergraduate program. Of the students, 23.1% did not wish to communicate with children with intellectual disability or their parents about sexual development, 76.9% felt inadequate in their communication with children and parents about sexual development, 46.2% felt they could identify deviations in sexual development in children with intellectual disability, and 81.5% believed that children with intellectual disability were more vulnerable to sexual abuse. The viewpoints of 4th-year students about sexual development of children with intellectual disability were more positive. Sexual development education should be included in the nursing undergraduate curriculum from the first year of the program.
  PubDate: 2021-03-09
Validation of a Tool to Assess Attitudes Towards Sexuality of Individuals
with Intellectual Disability (ASEXID): A Preliminary Study
- Abstract: The high prevalence of people with Intellectual Disability (ID) fosters the recognition of their health, work, and social needs. However, few studies have focused on the assessment of their affective and sexual needs (a basic personal need and universal right). Even though the current literature suggests changes in social attitudes toward this population, it is unclear whether these changes have actually occurred and their impact on the development of healthy and non-stigmatized sexuality. This question is particularly relevant due to the lack of a sound measure to assess this shift in the social consideration of the sexuality of people with ID. Thus, this preliminary study focuses on the design and validation of a reliable measure to assess attitudes toward the sexuality of people with Intellectual Disability. This study comprises 1103 participants (43.3% men; 56.7% women) between 20 and 92 years old, classified into three groups: parents or relatives of people with ID, professionals working with ID individuals, and the general population. Results from Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) yielded three factors explaining 49.19% of the scale variance: Normalizing Attitudes (NOR-A), Negative Attitudes (NEG-A), and Paternalistic Attitudes (PAT-A). This three-factor structure was subsequently confirmed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Regarding internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha values ranged between 0.66 and 0.86. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that the ASEXID is useful and reliable for the assessment of relatives’, professionals’, and societal attitudes toward the sexuality of people with ID, contributing to the assessment of a potential paradigm shift in attitudes toward the affective sexual education of people with this condition.
  PubDate: 2021-03-01
Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training on Revealing Sexual
Function in Iranian Women with Breast Cancer
- Abstract: Most studies on the treatment of sexual problems in women with breast cancer have been conducted based on a quantitative approach. Adding a post-intervention qualitative study can help to clarify the impact of the therapy on sexual function. The present mixed-method study was performed to determine the impact of mindfulness based stress reduction on sexual function in women with breast cancer. This study consisted of two quantitative and qualitative phases. The quantitative phase was a randomized clinical trial, where 52 subjects were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups that completed female sexual function index (FSFI) in pretest, posttest (after the intervention), and follow-up (1 month after the intervention) stages. Intervention was an eight-session group mindfulness-based stress reduction. After analyzing data from 46 subjects, qualitative data were collected using the conventional content analysis method. At the follow-up stage, statistically significant improvements were noted in the intervention group for the sexual desire (P = 0.021) and arousal (P = 0.021), but decreases were observed in orgasm scores (P = 0.042). In the control group, overall FSFI score decreased at follow-up compared to those of the pretest and posttest (P < 0.001. (There were no differences between the two groups in the three stages. Two main categories of qualitative analysis, i.e. “mindfulness, an attempt for love continuation” and “Sexual Responsiveness scope”, confirmed the results of quantitative phase. Based on the results, mindfulness intervention can impact the aspects of sexual performance that rely on women, which are mostly of psychological origin and may not affect all aspects.
  PubDate: 2021-03-01
Supporting Adults with Intellectual Disabilities with Relationships and
Sex: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Research
with Staff
- Abstract: Staff working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) play an important role in enabling them to fulfill their sexual and romantic needs. Given the lack of recent reviews providing a synthesis of qualitative research in this population, the present review explored how staff working with individuals with ID in a variety of capacities (e.g. support workers, service managers, nurses, educators, psychologists, social workers) perceived their role in relation to supporting sexuality and relationships. A systematic search of EMBASE, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ASSIA and SCOPUS was carried out and identified articles were rated against inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as quality criteria. Findings were analyzed using thematic synthesis. The application of criteria resulted in the inclusion of 15 articles. Four themes were identified: (a) “Attitudes towards sexuality and relationships: A right and a challenge”, (b) “Responding to sexuality and relationships: A conflicted discourse”, (c) “Uncertainty and lack of systemic support”, and (d) “Influences on decision-making”. Findings suggest that staff hold ambivalent attitudes and often respond inconsistently to issues relating to service users’ sexuality. Role uncertainty, fear of accountability, lack of training and policy, as well as factors related to employing organizations and family caregivers were identified as barriers. The findings highlight the importance of providing training and supervision for staff in order to address ambivalent attitudes and anxieties, further developing national and local policy in relation to sexuality and relationships, and supporting family caregivers to meaningfully work alongside staff on issues relating to service users’ sexuality.
  PubDate: 2021-03-01
Curbing the Risks: Toward a Transdisciplinary Sexual Health Literacy
Program for Young Adults Who are Deaf and LGBT+
- Abstract: The alarming increase of HIV cases among young adults in the Philippines due to risky sexual behavior led the authors to investigate sexual behaviors among young adults who are Deaf** and LGBT+*. This project explores the romantic experiences of self-identified young adults who are Deaf and LGBT+ in the Philippines, it also investigates the sexual activities embedded in these experiences. Meanings drawn from the narratives in sign language reveal that there are levels of sexual intimacy (i.e., from “incomplete” to “complete” sex), which vary from one individual to another, with associated risks increasing as activities intensify. Interestingly, the meaning-making process, symbolized in signing, differ from standard spoken language. Further, though data from the participants indicate that most of them are consistently having sex with the same person, certain risk factors have been revealed that could compromise their health: non-use of condoms and inadequate knowledge of the nature and transmission of sexually transmitted infections (e.g., HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea). While sensory challenge can contribute to difficulties in receiving mainstream sexual health campaigns, the degree of awareness is also hampered by the lack of sign language interpreters collaborating with properly trained professionals to achieve a transdisciplinary*** knowledge of proper sexual health education. Improvements have to be made as far as sexual health education among the Deaf is concerned, and the authors developed a transdisciplinary approach to sexual health literacy to address particularly the sexual health needs of the LGBT+ sector of the Deaf Community.
  PubDate: 2021-03-01
Sexuality and Sexual Health In Adults with Limb Loss: A Systematic Review
- Abstract: A systematic review was conducted to provide an overview of the current state of research regarding sexuality and sexual health in adults with limb loss. Five databases (Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO) were searched between January 1, 2000 and April 14, 2019. Two reviewers independently screened all titles and abstracts for primary inclusion and full texts for secondary inclusion. The inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed journal articles that were published in English, that addressed at least one aspect of sexuality or sexual health and included adults (18 years and older) who acquired a major limb amputation. A modified Sackett Scale was used to assign levels of evidence to each study. A total of 29 articles met the inclusion criteria. With regard to sexuality, the most common topics investigated were body image (n = 21), sexual desire (n = 6) and sexual activity (n = 4). The Amputee Body Image Scale was the most commonly used outcome measure to assess body image (n = 10). In terms of sexual health, the most frequently studied issues were sexual functioning (n = 5) and sexual counselling (n = 2). Sexuality and sexual health issues affect the health and wellbeing of adults with limb loss. The majority of studies were low in evidence; indicating that more robust intervention studies are needed to help people cope with limb loss as it relates to their sexual health and sexuality. In particular, more targeted efforts for women and individuals with upper limb loss are needed.
  PubDate: 2021-03-01
Measuring Sexual Performance: Development and Psychometric Properties of
the Sexual Performance Questionnaire in Iranian People with Spinal Cord
Injury
- Abstract: Sexual performance refers to activities served by sexual capacity and motivation. As a culturally sensitive issue, to date the scalar invariance of sexual performance has not been examined for Iranians with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Aim: To develop and assess properties of an instrument evaluating sexual performance of an Iranian population with SCIs., in Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center (BASIR), Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Using multi-modal methods, we developed and assessed the Sexual Performance Questionnaire (SPQ). This included collecting expert opinions; engaging with patients with SCI referred to BASIR; pilot testing to assess the scale; and a formal investigation. Participants (men = 156, women = 58) completed the SPQ. Internal consistency and reliability were measured using Cronbach’s α coefficient. Content and face validity were examined by academic experts. Construct validity was assessed by examining convergent and discriminant validity. Finally, exploratory factor analysis was used to extract the factor structure of the questionnaire. The Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.77. There was a significant (p = 0.04) correlation (r = − 0.23) between the SPQ score and age. Those with a partner scored higher (p = 0.001). We found three components: Spouse as initiator, self-initiation, and genital-oriented sex which accounted for 59% of the observed variance. The face and content validity was approved by an expert committee. The development and application of the 13-item SPQ provides a thorough understanding of sexual performance amongst persons with SCI. It facilitates the development of efficient sexual rehabilitation interventions and SCI-specific sexuality education programs.
  PubDate: 2021-03-01
The Sexual Quality of Life of Mothers and Their Children with
Disabilities: General Health Status and Depression
- Abstract: The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between the sexual quality of life of mothers giving care to their children with disabilities and their general health status and depression. The sample of this descriptive study comprised 100 mothers giving care to their children. Of the children with disabilities, 52% had hearing impairment, 35% had physical impairment, 13% had mental impairment. The mothers giving care to their children with disabilities were at risk for mental health, suffered mild depression symptoms, and did not have a good sexual quality of life. The differences between the mean scores the participants obtained from the General Health Questionnaire-28, Beck Depression Inventory and Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) Questionnaire in terms of their socio-demographic and disability characteristics were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). As the mental health risk of the mothers who cared for a person with a disability increased, so did their being at risk for depression, which negatively affected the quality of their sexual life.
  PubDate: 2021-03-01
Sexuality and Intimacy Rehabilitation for the Military Population: Case
Series
- Abstract: Sexuality and intimacy are important aspects of life that are frequently compromised after severe injury or illness, yet these aspects are often overlooked by medical and rehabilitation professionals. This case series describes the Occupational Therapy Sexuality and Intimacy program at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). Three diverse clients with a range of physical, cognitive and emotional impairments were chosen to illustrate complexities of the Occupational Therapy Sexuality and Intimacy Program at this MTF, and unique skills employed by Occupational Therapists. Consistent themes discovered include: perceived value of the program; appreciation of safe spaces to discuss personal topics; and enhanced awareness of role identity, body image, and emotional regulation. These cases illustrate that sexuality and intimacy interventions may have profound effects on injured service members, improving social reintegration, and quality of life.
  PubDate: 2021-02-19
Investigation of Sexual Dysfunction in Partner of Patients with Ankylosing
Spondylitis
- Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sexual functions of the partners of individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to compare these with those of the partners of individuals without AS of the same sex. The study included 192 partners of AS patients (102 females, aged 41.85 ± 6.84 years; 90 males, aged 45.26 ± 6.15 years) and 191 age- and gender-matched subjects with a healthy partner (100 females, aged 44.39 ± 9.10 years, 91 males, aged 43.18 ± 9.12 years). The Female Sexual Function Scale and the International Erectile Function Form were used to evaluate sexual dysfunction. In the male groups, a statistically significant difference was determined in all the sub-parameters in favor of the partners of women without AS (z: − 6.77 to − 4.30, p: 0.00). In the female groups, with the exception of desire and total score, there was a statistically significant difference in the other sub-parameters in favor of the partners of men without AS (z: − 7.32 to − 3.55, p: 0.00). According to the study results of the study, both male and female partners of AS patients had lower sexual functions. These results can be considered valuable in respect of questioning the sexual functions of both patients diagnosed with AS and their partner as soon as possible, to assist in identifying dysfunctions and to be able to establish sexual education programs.
  PubDate: 2021-02-18
Quality of Sexual Life in Iranian Women with Diabetes: Psychosocial and
Cultural Aspects
- Abstract: Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic worldwide disease, and sexual dysfunction is a common complication of this disease. Diabetes and its disabling complications often threaten sexual life. Despite the critical role of the psychosocial and cultural issues in the quality of sexual life in women with diabetes, these aspects have not yet been adequately addressed. This study aimed to explore the psychosocial and cultural aspects of the sexual life quality of women with diabetes in reproductive ages. Purposeful sampling was performed in two diabetes clinics and three physicians' offices in Tehran. After 29 In-depth interviews (25 women with diabetes and four key informants), data saturation was achieved. The qualitative content analysis method by Granheim and Lundman was used for data analysis, and consequently, two themes emerged. The first theme, "The dominant role of sociocultural context," consisted of two categories: "The influence of diabetes stigma on sexual identity" and "preferred silence." The second theme was "The burden of psychological distress on sexual life," which included three categories: "diabetes distress," "distress regarding social and health services unmet needs," and "stress management ability." Preferred silence to sexual problems was identified as the dominant sexual coping strategy of Iranian women with diabetes. This identification is an achievement of this study regarding the first theme. Thus, screening the quality of sexual life in women with diabetes is suggested. According to the second theme, psychological, sexual, and family planning health care integrated with medical diabetes care in diabetes clinics is recommended.
  PubDate: 2021-02-15
The Sexuality of Disabled Bodies and Individuals with Disability in South
Africa's Comprehensive Sexuality Education Scripted Lesson Plans
- Abstract: Local research has utilized both practical (youth with disabilities accessing sexual and reproductive health services) and theoretical knowledge (decoloniality, disability and sexuality) to understand the sexuality of persons living with disabilities. However, this knowledge has not been utilized to examine the visibility of disability and sexuality in South Africa's comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) scripted lesson plans (SLPs). A content analysis was conducted of all the Department of Basic Education's CSE SLPs (Grades 4–12). The study indicated that only in Grade 10 is disability and sexuality discussed in 3 activities. Within these activities, some attempt has been made to demystify certain misconceptions about the sexuality of disabled bodies (i.e. as celibate, asexual beings, with no romantic or sexual interests). The activities further debunk how various types of disabled bodies are sexual beings (i.e. not just those in wheelchairs). However, the fact that these discourses only emerge and left in Grade 10, raises concerns about the inclusivity of the CSE curriculum for disabled youth (e.g. CSE not acknowledging issues of power and consent amongst youth living with disabilities). A critical discussion is provided of the gaps identified and recommendations provided by existing practical and theoretical knowledge to inform the current CSE SLPs.
  PubDate: 2021-02-09
Professional Educational Opportunities
- PubDate: 2021-02-08
From the Editor of Sexuality and Disability: 2020… A Year of Awareness
of What is New and What Has Always Been
- PubDate: 2021-02-06
An Occupational Therapy Approach to Sexuality in People with Acquired
Brain Injury in a Subacute Setting
- Abstract: To analyze if people with acquired brain injury in sub-acute situation, as well as their relatives and/or partners, consider relevant the approach to sexuality during their Occupational Therapy intervention. This study presents a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. Twelve participants were interviewed: eight people with acquired brain injury, two relatives and two partners who agreed to participate. The information has been collected through interviews. According to the interviews, the following categories have emerged: changes and everyday life, the taboo of sex and its relation to gender and the relevance of counselling. Participants consider sexuality as another activity of daily living, which has been modified due to acquired brain injury. Not only does the taboo of sex condition the subject, but it is also influenced by the individual’s gender. In addition, the counselling by the professionals involved in the rehabilitation process is the main intervention claimed by the participants of this study. The participants consider sexuality as an activity of daily living. Therefore, the occupational therapist who follows the holistic conception of the people must consider sexuality in the intervention process.
  PubDate: 2021-01-15
  DOI: 10.1007/s11195-021-09675-2
Utilizing the Delphi Method to Assess Issues of Sexuality for Men Living
with Spinal Cord Injury
- Abstract: This study investigated the physical and psychological issues of sexuality for men after spinal cord injury and identified areas of top concern. Using the Delphi Method, a panel of expert judges (twenty men with spinal cord injury [SCI], C3-T12, age 26–59) completed a series of three questionnaires in an attempt to reach a consensus on previously identified issues. It was agreed that SCI affects physical and psychosocial aspects of sexuality and that sexual support is limited for exploring sexuality post-SCI. Additionally, insight into the social constructs of masculinity, gender roles, body image and disability and their influence on the sexual experiences of this population is provided. Enhancing patient, healthcare provider and societal awareness of sexuality for men after spinal cord injury should be an immediate area of focus to improve sexual and overall quality of life for this population.
  PubDate: 2021-01-07
  DOI: 10.1007/s11195-020-09673-w
Anxiety Levels and Sexual Functions of Patients Performing Clean
Intermittent Catheterization
- Abstract: Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is an effective and reliable catheterization method widely used to ensure bladder management. However, pain or discomfort that is commonly seen during catheterization in individuals performing CIC may lead to anxiety and changes in many activities of daily living, particularly in sexual function. The aim of this study was to determine the anxiety levels and sexual functions of patients performing CIC and the relationship between. This descriptive study included a total of 102 patients performing CIC who were followed at a urology outpatient clinic of a state hospital. Data were collected by using Structured Information Form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI) and International Erectile Function Index-5 (IIEF-5). Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistical methods, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient and Regression Analysis. Mood scores (VAS) of the patients were 6.56 ± 1.52. The mean IIEF-5 score was 8.47 ± 4.59 in male patients and the mean FSFI score was 17.62 ± 6.2 in female patients. Erectile dysfunction was found in 73.47% of male patients and sexual dysfunction was present in 64.15% of female patients. The STAI-1 score was found to have a negative moderate correlation with IIEF-5 and FSFI scores (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, evaluation of the factors related to sexual dysfunction showed that smoking, female sex, anxiety level, duration of CIC, mood and wheelchair use increased the probability of developing sexual dysfunction. Determining the anxiety and sexual function levels of individuals performing CIC, prioritizing the factors that may affect sexual function, and using appropriate therapeutic approaches are thought to be able to increase the individual's adaptation and have a positive effect on their sexual lives.
  PubDate: 2021-01-07
  DOI: 10.1007/s11195-020-09671-y
Comparison of the Effects of the PLISSIT Model Versus the Sexual Health
Model on Quality of Life Among Women with Breast Cancer
- Abstract: Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of individual therapy (PLISSIT Model) versus group therapy (Sexual Health Model) on the quality of life of Iranian women with breast cancer. Methods Three-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial conducted on 75 women with breast cancer attended to Mehraneh Charity Center in Zanjan in 2015–2016. The participants were allocated into three groups of the PLISSIT model, the SHM, and a routine care group. The study tool included demographic checklist and quality of life questionnaire, which completed by all groups at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks follow-ups. Data were analyzed using chi-square, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and Friedman tests. Results At the baseline, there were no significant differences in dimensions of quality of life between the three groups. Also, at 6 and 12 weeks follow-ups, almost all dimensions of the quality of life in all groups improved significantly (all Ps < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the three groups at these phases. Conclusion The study revealed that both the PLISSIT Model and grouped SHM have similar effects on improving the quality of life of women. There was not enough evidence of the superiority of one model over another.
  PubDate: 2021-01-03
  DOI: 10.1007/s11195-020-09661-0
Retrospective and Current Peer Victimization in College Students with
Disabilities: Examining the Intersectionality of Sexual Orientation and
Gender
- Abstract: The present, exploratory study examined retrospective and current peer victimization in a multi-university sample of 58 college students with disabilities, 18 (31%) of whom identified as sexual minorities. Fifty-seven participants reported peer victimization during childhood, and approximately half reported experiencing peer victimization in the past 2 months. Students who identified as sexual minorities reported more retrospective victimization but current victimization did not differ between the two groups. Current and retrospective peer victimization were significantly correlated with present psychological distress. Professionals who work with students with disabilities should be aware of the high prevalence of peer victimization and its psychological correlates in this population.
  PubDate: 2021-01-02
  DOI: 10.1007/s11195-020-09669-6