Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J73809

Journal:


Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 97, 5, 753-759

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study investigated sexual functioning and its predictors in spouses/partners of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants were 70 adults with complicated mild to severe TBI admitted to 1 of 6 participating TBI Model Systems inpatient rehabilitation units and their spouses/partners who were both living in the community and assessed at 1 year after injury. Outcome measures included the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning Self-Report and the Global Sexual Satisfaction Index. Analysis revealed that 20 percent of spouses/partners of adults with TBI reported sexual dysfunction, and 44 percent reported dissatisfaction with sexual functioning. Sixty-two percent of spouses/partners reported a decrease in sexual activity during the year after injury, 34 percent reported a decrease in sexual drive or desire, and 34 percent indicated that sexuality was less important in comparison to preinjury. Greater sexual dysfunction in spouses/partners was associated with older age and with poorer sexual functioning in the person with TBI. Rehabilitation professionals should provide education on the potential impact of TBI on sexual functioning for both the individuals with TBI and their spouses/partners, and integrate the assessment of sexual functioning into their clinical assessment, making appropriate referrals for therapy

Author(s):


Sander, Angelle M., Maestas, Kacey L., Pappadis, Monique R., Hammond, Flora M., Hanks, Robin A.

Participating Centers: