Assessment of sexual function and quality of life of patients with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Introduction Spinal cord injuries are known to have physical damage. They are often accompanied by urinary and fecal incontinence, disorders of tenderness, neuropathic pain and motor deficits. Therefore they have a serious impact on physical, mental and social health. Objectives The objective of our work was to assess sexual function and quality of life in men with spinal cord injuries. Methods This is a cross-sectional study enrolling patients with spinal cord injuries followed at the physical medicine consultation and/or urology department of Sahloul teaching Hospital during the period from January 2016 to January 2018. Results This study enrolled 21 patients. Mean age was 45.62 ±15.79 years. Thirteen patients were married, and nine had a primary school level of education. Thirteen patients worked as building workers. The cause of the spinal cord injury was traffic accident in 12 cases. The overall IIEF 15 was 15.57±7.46. Thirteen patients had erectile dysfunction which was rated severe in five patients. The average MSQ was 27.52 ± 26.32 with 10 patients very dissatisfied. The overall SF-36 score was 31.71± 26.16. We found a statistical correlation between quality of life impairment and sexuality impairment in almost all dimensions and especially impairment of physical activity (r²=+0.783 p<0.001) and impairment of perceived health. Conclusions The impairment of sexual function is a serious health problem in patients with spinal cord injury. It has a serious impact in the quality of life that justify specific interventions. Disclosure of Interest None Declared