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Fraser EE, Downing MG, Haines K, Bennett L, Olver J, Ponsford JL. Experience of adapted cognitive behaviour therapy to address sexuality problems after traumatic brain injury: A qualitative study. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2024; 34:572-599. [PMID: 37306485 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2023.2221858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although sexuality has been shown to be negatively impacted in up to half of individuals who sustain traumatic brain injury (TBI), few studies have sought to evaluate the efficacy of targeted interventions. Gaining insight into the participant experience of undergoing treatment for post-TBI sexuality changes is a crucial aspect of intervention evaluation. This study aimed to investigate participants with TBI experience of undergoing eight sessions of a novel CBT intervention designed to help both couples and singles improve sexual wellbeing after TBI. Eight participants (50% male) with moderate-severe TBI, and a mean age of 46.38-years (SD = 13.54), completed a qualitative interview. A six-phase reflexive thematic analysis approach was used. Despite variability in participant characteristics, the findings suggested that participants with TBI experience reflected that of a positive treatment journey characterized by high levels of enjoyment and satisfaction. Key themes identified included contextual factors that preceded treatment, factors that facilitated treatment engagement, outcomes derived from the treatment experience, and feedback provided on reflection. The results not only provide an enriched understanding of the client experience of the intervention but provide corroborating preliminary evidence of efficacy for this novel CBT intervention in addressing complex and persistent sexuality problems after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elinor E Fraser
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Epworth Healthcare, Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Richmond, Australia
| | - Marina G Downing
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Epworth Healthcare, Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Richmond, Australia
| | - Kerrie Haines
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Linda Bennett
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - John Olver
- Epworth HealthCare, Rehabilitation Medicine, Richmond, Australia
| | - Jennie L Ponsford
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Epworth Healthcare, Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Richmond, Australia
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Mamuk R, Çelik SY, Sekizler ET. Evaluation of sexual function and sexual quality of life in women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Turkish case. Afr Health Sci 2023; 23:349-361. [PMID: 37545976 PMCID: PMC10398491 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v23i1.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual health is an important component of general health. OBJECTIVE To evaluate sexual function and sexual quality of life (SQOL) in women during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Turkey. Data were collected via a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire. RESULTS The mean FSFI score was 26.91±5.62, and 39.1% of the women had an FSFI score of 26.55 or lower. The mean SQOL-F score was 79.08±20.90. FSFI score was significantly associated with employment status (β=-0.661), partner education (β=1.698), sexual compatibility between partners (β=0.518), sexual satisfaction (β=0.230), fatigue level (β= -0.120), and frequency of sexual intercourse (β=0.160). In addition, SQOL-F score was significantly associated with sexual desire (β=2.625), satisfaction (β=1.338), pain or discomfort (β=1.274), age (β= -0.356), sexual compatibility between partners (β=1.984), and fatigue level (β=-0.981) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Less than half of the women participating in this study had sexual dysfunction, and overall SQOL was moderate to high. These results were associated with some descriptive characteristics of the women and were similar to those reported in pre-pandemic studies conducted in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rojjin Mamuk
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eastern Mediterranean University. Famagusta, North Cyprus
| | - Sultan Yurtsever Çelik
- Wound care unit of Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital of University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Emine Temizkan Sekizler
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eastern Mediterranean University. Famagusta, North Cyprus
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Ek AS, Holmström C, Elmerstig E. Sexuality >1 year after brain injury rehabilitation: A cross-sectional study in Sweden. Brain Inj 2023; 37:34-46. [PMID: 36408962 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2145358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study investigates whether Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is associated with changes in sexual function and satisfaction and how such changes are experienced, focusing on invisible impairments after ABI. MATERIALS AND METHODS A study-specific questionnaire was distributed in 2018-2019. The sample included individuals aged 20-90 years diagnosed with ABI due to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), trauma, infection, or anoxia (ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage excluded), who participated in brain injury rehabilitation in Sweden, 2014-2016. Chi-square and Logistic regression analyses were used. RESULTS The study consists of 250 participants (response rate was 40%). Among participants 78% (194/250) had resumed sexual life. Participants reporting sexual changes also experienced more consequences related to ABI. Those with decreased sexual desire (63%, 148/234) reported more ABI consequences, including decreased memory (86% vs 65%, p = 0.000), decreased concentration ability (82% vs 65%, p = 0.003), and increased tiredness (91% vs 70%, p = 0.000) compared to those with intact desire. Such consequences can be invisible to others. CONCLUSION Visible impairments are known to impact sexual functions and satisfaction after ABI. Our results show how invisible impairments also have a great impact. From a biopsychosocial perspective, these results imply that individuals should receive sexual rehabilitation, irrespective of ABI impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofie Ek
- Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Memory Disorders, and Geriatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö-Lund, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Holmström
- Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Eva Elmerstig
- Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
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Anto-Ocrah M, Oktapodas Feiler M, Pukall C, Pacos-Martinez A. Resilience and Sexuality After Concussion in Women. Sex Med 2021; 9:100297. [PMID: 33482610 PMCID: PMC7930863 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2020.100297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous findings from our group show that in the acute (ie, 6–10 weeks) post-injury period, women with concussions have a 70% greater risk of sexual dysfunction than those with extremity injuries. There are currently limited treatment options for the clinical management of concussions. Resilience is a protective, modifiable psychological construct that has been shown to improve concussion-related sequelae. To date, however, no research has evaluated how resilience impacts sexuality outcomes after concussion in women. Aim Evaluate if resilience offers protection against negative sexuality outcomes in a cohort of reproductive, aged women with a concussion, seeking care in the Emergency Department of a Level-1 Trauma Center. We hypothesized that women with low resilience will be more likely to experience negative impacts on sexuality and that increasing levels of resilience will be associated with more positive sexuality outcomes. Methods Secondary data analyses. Measures Resilience was evaluated with the Resilience Scale (RS), and the Brain Injury Questionnaire for Sexuality (BIQS) was used for sexuality. Results Of the 299 participants recruited for the parent study, 80 with concussion had complete follow-up data and were included in these secondary analyses. Less than half (42.5%; n = 34) had low resilience (score≤130 on the RS), and the remaining 46 (57.5%) had high resilience (score>130 on the RS). In crude linear regression models, 1-unit increase in resilience was associated with a 4% increase in sexuality outcomes (β = 0.04, 95% CI:0.01, 0.05; P = .008). The effect estimate remained similar in post-concussion-symptom-adjusted models (β = 0.03, 95% CI:0.002, 0.06; P = .03). Mood-adjusted models showed a statistically significant interaction term (P < .0001). After stratifying by mood, findings showed that unit increases in resilience were associated with a 6% increase in sexuality outcomes for women in the high risk mood group (HADS score ≥11; PCS-adjusted β = 0.06, 95% CI:0.02, 0.11; P = .009). Conclusion Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate how these improvements in resilience translate to patient recovery measures following concussion. Anto-Ocrah M, Oktapodas Feiler M, Pukall C, et al. Resilience and Sexuality After Concussion in Women. Sex Med 2021;9:100297.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Anto-Ocrah
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY.
| | - Marina Oktapodas Feiler
- Department of Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Caroline Pukall
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Amy Pacos-Martinez
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
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Understanding the Multidimensional Nature of Sexuality After Traumatic Brain Injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2020; 101:2080-2086. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2020.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Anto-Ocrah M, Tiffany K, Hasman L, van Wijngaarden E. Mild traumatic brain injury/concussion and female sexuality, a scoping review of the literature. Inj Epidemiol 2020; 7:7. [PMID: 32127044 PMCID: PMC7050144 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-020-0232-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) in 2010 called for more head injury research on gender disparities to bridge the gender gap for the short-and long-term effects of TBI, including sexual and reproductive outcomes. In this paper, we review the state of the literature before and after the ACRM announcement, and evaluate how research teams have considered females and mildly injured TBI(mTBI)/concussion groups in post-TBI-related changes in sexual functioning. Methods The research question for this scoping review was “what is the state of the literature in the evaluation of post-TBI sexual changes for women, and individuals with mTBI?” Using the 2010 ACRM call for action as a line of demarcation, we compared our findings before and after the 2010 announcement. Results We identified 9 research studies that addressed sexual functioning changes in females and mTBI/concussion groups. Four of the nine were published before the 2010 ACRM announcement, and five were published after. The representation of female research participants increased steadily over the 28-year timespan. The proportion of individuals with mTBI included in the post-2010 era was higher than the earlier time period. Consistently, women with mTBI reported more adverse sexual outcomes compared to male cohorts, orthopaedic, and non-injured comparison groups. This observation persisted regardless of recruitment site (rehabilitation center/Emergency Department (ED)/Community) or time of outcome assessment (acute versus chronic). The findings also remained despite the heterogeneity of survey questionnaires used to evaluate sexual functioning outcomes. Excluding the most recent 2019 study, none of the research groups compared the findings by TBI severity, making it difficult to fully understand how concussion-related sexual changes compare to more severe forms of the head injury. The long term impacts of the sexual changes, such as infertility and relationship discord were also absent across all studies; even though most evaluated outcomes chronically (some as far out as 20 years post injury). Conclusion The number of publications in the era before the ACRM call for action and afterwards were almost identical. In order to tailor interventions for the appropriate groups of TBI patients, more neurosexuality research is needed to increase awareness of the importance of sexuality as a health outcome for individuals with neurodisabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Anto-Ocrah
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA. .,Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA.
| | | | - Linda Hasman
- Miner Library, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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Gender and Sex Considerations in Traumatic Brain Injury. Concussion 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-65384-8.00014-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Robert H, Pichon B, Haddad R. [Sexual dysfunctions after traumatic brain injury: Systematic review of the literature]. Prog Urol 2019; 29:529-543. [PMID: 31477433 DOI: 10.1016/j.purol.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dysfunction (SD) is common in the general population, up to 50% in women and with no clearly defined prevalence in men but up to 30% in erectile dysfunction. Sexual dysfunctions (SD) are common after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) but remain underrated in clinical practice, yet it is a crucial aspect of the person with consequences for the relationship with the other, psychological wellbeing and quality of life. OBJECTIVE To determine, through a systematic literature review, the epidemiology, assessment tools and treatment of SD in the TBI population. SOURCES (keywords, languages): Medline, COCHRANE and OVID databases were used with specific keywords (MeSH), combined with Boolean operators: "sexual dysfunction", "sexuality", "erectile dysfunction" and "traumatic brain injury". STUDY SELECTION Only studies published in French or English, and with full-text available, have been included. Articles have been independently reviewed and extracted. RESULTS Of the 199 articles reviewed after exclusion of duplicates, 86 articles were reviewed in their full text. A total of 40 studies were included in the final analysis. After TBI, 6% to 83% of patients report SD: decreased frequency of sexual intercourse (47-62%), desire and/or arousal (24-86%), erectile dysfunction (24,2-57%), difficulties with orgasm (29-40%), inappropriate sexual behaviour (8,9%). There is no consensus method for evaluating SD in this population, with 16 tools identified. Among them, only two questionnaires were validated in this population, the Brain Injury Questionnary of Sexuality - not validated in French - and the Overt Behavior Scale, the latter being intended for the evaluation of sexual behaviour disorders. Several factors are significantly and positively associated with SD: age (P≤0.01), severity of TBI (P≤0.002), depression (P<0.001), anxiety (P<0.001), and fatigue (P=0.042). Others are negatively associated: time since injury (P=0.01), perceived physical health status (P<0.001) and social participation (P<0.001). There is little data on the treatment of SD outside of case studies. LIMITS Quantitative analysis could not be performed due to differences in the studies included in their design, evaluation tools, choice of TBI severity criteria, and post-TBI timeframes. Four unavailable articles could not be consulted. CONCLUSION SD are common after TBI but remain poorly evaluated in clinical practice, despite their impact on patients and their partners. Their evaluation and treatment should be part of the overall management of patients after TBI. Nevertheless, there is currently no validated tool in French to evaluate these SD, nor are there any guidelines on their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Robert
- GRC n°18, service de rééducation neurologique, Sorbonne université, UPMC université Paris 06, handicap moteur, cognitif et réadaptation (HaMCRe), Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles-Foix, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France.
| | - B Pichon
- GRC n°18, service de rééducation neurologique, Sorbonne université, UPMC université Paris 06, handicap moteur, cognitif et réadaptation (HaMCRe), Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles-Foix, AP-HP, 75013 Paris, France; GRC 001, GREEN groupe de recherche en neuro-urologie, Sorbonne université, hôpital Rothschild, AP-HP, 75012 Paris, France
| | - R Haddad
- GRC 001, GREEN groupe de recherche en neuro-urologie, Sorbonne université, hôpital Rothschild, AP-HP, 75012 Paris, France
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Whilst post traumatic brain injury fatigue (PTBIF) and sleep disturbance are common sequelae following brain injury, underlying mechanisms, and the potential for targeted interventions remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To present a review of recent studies exploring the epidemiology of PTBIF and sleep disturbance, the relationship and neuropsychological correlates of these issues, potential approaches to intervention, and implications for neurorehabilitation. METHODS A review of relevant literature was undertaken, with a focus on PTBIF relating to sleep disturbance, the neuropsychological correlates of these issues and implications for neurorehabilitation. This paper does not set out to provide a systematic review. RESULTS Multidimensional approaches to assessment and treatment of sleep disturbance and PTBIF are required. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for more robust findings in determining the complex nature of relationships between PTBIF, sleep disturbance, and correlates. Longitudinal prospective data is required to increase our understanding of the nature and course of PTBIF and sleep disturbance post TBI. Large scale clinical trials are required in evaluating the potential benefits of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Cronin
- National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emer O'Loughlin
- Health Service Executive Ireland, Blanchardstown, Dublin, Ireland
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Latella D, Maggio MG, De Luca R, Maresca G, Piazzitta D, Sciarrone F, Carioti L, Manuli A, Bramanti P, Calabro RS. Changes in sexual functioning following traumatic brain injury: An overview on a neglected issue. J Clin Neurosci 2018; 58:1-6. [PMID: 30314923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any damage to the skull and/or the brain and its frameworks due to an external force. Following TBI, patients may report cognitive, physiological and psychosocial changes with a devastating impact on important aspects of the patient's life, such as sexual functioning. Although sexual dysfunction (SD) occurs at a significantly greater frequency in individuals with TBI, it is not commonly assessed in the clinical setting and little information is available on this crucial aspect of patients' quality of life. As the number of people with TBI is on the rise, there is a need for better management of TBI problems, including SD, by providing information to patients and their caregivers to achieve sexual health, with a consequent increase in their quality of life. Discussing and treating sexual problems in TBI patients enters the framework of a holistic approach. The purpose of this narrative review is provide clinicians with information concerning changes in sexual functioning and relationships in individuals with TBI, for a better management of patient's functional outcomes and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luigi Carioti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", Messina, Italy
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O'Reilly K, Wilson N, Peters K. Narrative literature review: Health, activity and participation issues for women following traumatic brain injury. Disabil Rehabil 2017; 40:2331-2342. [PMID: 28585486 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1334838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This narrative review will draw attention to the current limitations within the literature related to women following traumatic brain injury in order to stimulate discussion and inform future directions for research. BACKGROUND There is a wide-ranging body of research about traumatic brain injury with the higher incidence of brain injury among males reflected in this body of work. As a result, the specific gendered issues facing women with traumatic brain injury are not as well understood. METHOD A search of electronic databases was conducted using the terms "traumatic brain injury", "brain injury", "women", "participation", "concussion" and "outcomes". RESULTS The 36 papers revealed the following five themes (1) Relationships and life satisfaction; (2) Perception of self and body image; (3) Meaningful occupation; (4) Sexuality and sexual health; and (5) Physical function. CONCLUSIONS Without research, which focuses specifically on the experience of women and girls with traumatic brain injury there is a risk that clinical care, policy development and advocacy services will not effectively accommodate them. Implications for rehabilitation Exploring the gendered issues women may experience following traumatic brain injury will enhance clinicians understanding of the unique challenges they face. Such information has the potential to guide future directions for research, policy, and practice. Screening women for hormonal imbalances such as hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury is recommended as this may assist clinicians in addressing the far reaching implications in regard to disability, quality of life and mood. The growing literature regarding the cumulative effect of repeat concussions following domestic violence and women's increased risk of sport-related concussion may assist clinicians in advocating for appropriate rehabilitation and community support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate O'Reilly
- a School of Nursing and Midwifery , Western Sydney University , Penrith , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Nathan Wilson
- a School of Nursing and Midwifery , Western Sydney University , Penrith , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Kath Peters
- a School of Nursing and Midwifery , Western Sydney University , Penrith , New South Wales , Australia
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Bivona U, Antonucci G, Contrada M, Rizza F, Leoni F, Zasler ND, Formisano R. A biopsychosocial analysis of sexuality in adult males and their partners after severe traumatic brain injury. Brain Inj 2016; 30:1082-95. [PMID: 27260951 DOI: 10.3109/02699052.2016.1165867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The primary aim of this study was to investigate changes in sexual function in males and their partners following severe TBI. Secondary aims of the study were to explore the relationship between selected sociodemographic, emotional/behavioural and sexual function variables. METHODS Twenty males with a history of severe TBI and 20 healthy controls (HC) and their respective partners were recruited. Sexual life was assessed with the Sexuality Evaluation Schedule Assessment Monitoring (SESAMO). Study participant level of self-awareness was evaluated by the Awareness Questionnaire, whereas their neuropsychiatric and psychopathological statuses were assessed by the NPI, the HAM-D and STAI. RESULTS A reduction in desire and frequency of sexual intercourse was found in all survivors and their partners. Moreover, higher levels of survivor depression correlated with lower partner harmony. Survivor feelings toward their partners gradually decreased over time, as did the ability to make decisions as a couple. The comparison with HC couples revealed that both survivors' and their partners' exaggerated the extent of disease. CONCLUSIONS After male severe TBI, men appear to have a reduced quality of their sexual life, which may be more a result of relationship dysfunction than a sexual performance deficit related to their brain injury history.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriella Antonucci
- a IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia , Rome , Italy.,b Department of Psychology , 'Sapienza' Università , Rome , Italy
| | - Marianna Contrada
- a IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia , Rome , Italy.,b Department of Psychology , 'Sapienza' Università , Rome , Italy
| | - Federica Rizza
- b Department of Psychology , 'Sapienza' Università , Rome , Italy
| | | | - Nathan D Zasler
- c Concussion Care Centre of Virginia, LTD.,d Tree of Life Services, Inc. , Richmond , VA , USA
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Sexual Functioning, Desire, and Satisfaction in Women with TBI and Healthy Controls. Behav Neurol 2015; 2015:247479. [PMID: 26556951 PMCID: PMC4628696 DOI: 10.1155/2015/247479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can substantially alter many areas of a person's life and there has been little research published regarding sexual functioning in women with TBI. Methods. A total of 58 women (29 with TBI and 29 healthy controls) from Neiva, Colombia, participated. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in sociodemographic characteristics. All 58 women completed the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire (SQoL), Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI), Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI), and the Sexual Satisfaction Index (ISS). Results. Women with TBI scored statistically significantly lower on the SQoL (p < 0.001), FSFI subscales of desire (p < 0.05), arousal (p < 0.05), lubrication (p < 0.05), orgasm (p < 0.05), and satisfaction (p < 0.05), and the ISS (p < 0.001) than healthy controls. Multiple linear regressions revealed that age was negatively associated with some sexuality measures, while months since the TBI incident were positively associated with these variables. Conclusion. These results disclose that women with TBI do not fare as well as controls in these measures of sexual functioning and were less sexually satisfied. Future research is required to further understand the impact of TBI on sexual function and satisfaction to inform for rehabilitation programs.
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Moreno JA, das Nair R. Translating knowledge into practice: content analysis of online resources about sexual difficulties for individuals with traumatic brain injury. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2015.1039937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of permanent disability in young adults and is frequently accompanied by changes in sexual behaviors. Satisfying sexuality is an important factor for overall quality of life in people with disabilities. The purpose of this article is to review the studies evaluating the assessment, correlates and management of sexuality following TBI. RECENT FINDINGS The Brain Injury Questionnaire of Sexuality is the first validated questionnaire specifically developed for adults with TBI. A considerable amount of individuals with TBI show inappropriate sexual behaviors and sexual dysfunctions. Whereas inappropriate sexual behaviors are related to younger age, less social participation and more severe injuries, sexual dysfunctions show an association with higher fatigue, higher depression scores, less self-esteem and female sex. Healthcare professionals have suggested that because of discomfort at the individual or institutional level, sexual problems are often not sufficiently addressed and have suggested that a specialist should treat sexual problems. SUMMARY Although some important correlates of sexual problems could be identified, methodological differences across studies limit their comparability. Furthermore, there is an absence of evidence-based treatment strategies for addressing sexual problems. Therapeutic efforts should take into account the identified correlates of sexual problems following TBI.
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