Sexual Health among Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

3:24 PM – 3:29 PM

Location: Station 4

Presenting Author(s)

Amanda McIntyre, PhD (c) RN

Assistant Professor
Western University
London, Ontario, Canada

Non-presenting Author(s)

CG

Charlie Giurleo

Occupational Therapist
St. Joseph's Health Care
London, Ontario, Canada
PC

Peiwen Cao, MSc

Research Assistant
Parkwood Institute
London, Ontario, Canada
Amber Harnett, MSc, RN

Research Coordinator
Lawson Health Research Institute
London, Ontario, Canada
Robert Teasell, MD, PhD, FRCPC

Professor and Chair
St. Joseph's Health Care
London, Ontario, Canada
Julia Schmidt, OT, PhD

Assistant Professor
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Objective(s): To identify and synthesize qualitative evidence on individuals’ subjective experiences of sexual health following a spinal cord injury (SCI).

Data Sources: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycInfo were searched from 1960 to 2021. Selected systematic reviews and book chapters were also searched for additional articles.

Study Selection: Eligible studies examined sexual health (i.e., sex, sexuality, reproductive health, etc.) in adults with SCI utilizing qualitative or mixed-methods. Only studies published in English, including first-person accounts of living with a SCI were included. A total of 528 articles were screened by title and abstract, of those 59 were read in full for which 22 studies met inclusion criteria.

Data Extraction: Using qualitative thematic synthesis methodology (Braun & Clarke, 2006), data (reported results) from each selected study were coded line-by-line to develop descriptive and analytical themes by two investigators. Characteristics of the studies and demographic information of the participants were also extracted.

Data Synthesis: All articles provided unique insights into the experience of sexual health after SCI. Some articles inquired about specific aspects of sexual health (e.g., how their sexual experiences are affected by urinary incontinence) and others inquired broadly about the experience of sexual relationships. The themes identified in each study were positioned within the Sexual Rehabilitation Framework (Elliott 2017) composed of eight domains: sexual drive/interests, partnerships, self-image, bowel/bladder, sexual function, motor/sensory, fertility/contraception, and secondary complications.

Conclusions: Findings demonstrate the holistic nature of sexual health with impacts from one domain rippling upon others. Sexual health should be considered and addressed among individuals with SCI across the life continuum and recovery trajectory.

Author(s) Disclosures: None

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the Sexual Rehabilitation Framework.
Upon completion, participants will be able to describe the characteristics of sexual health as experienced by individuals with SCI.
Upon completion, participants will be able to list considerations and provide suggestions improvements in primary care, rehabilitation, and the community with respect to the sexual health post SCI.