Abstract
Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between the sexuality of patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and family functioning. Methods: The study took the form of a self-administered questionnaire survey, utilizing the Sexuality Satisfaction Index for IBD (SEXSI-IBD) for measuring sexuality and the Survey of Family Environment Survey of Family Environment (SFE) for measuring family functioning. SEXSI-IBD consists of 28 items and five domains, and SFE consists of 30 items and five domains. The participants were recruited at 15 self-help groups and 14 hospitals. Results: Of 146 participants, 48.6% were male and 52.4% female, with an average age of 41.1 years. A significant correlation was observed between the item average score of SEXSI-IBD and Overall Satisfaction Score (OSS) of SFE. Significant correlations were observed in two domains of the SEXSI-IBD, “Daily interaction” and “Sexual communication,” and in all five domains of the SFE. In particular, for “Daily interaction,” the strongest correlation was observed in the SFE’s “Macro system” and “Family internal environment system.” A correlation was observed between the “Physical contact importance” in SEXSI-IBD and the “Macro system” in the OSS of the SFE. Conclusions: Sexuality correlates with family functioning not only in the family internal environment system but also in the family external environment system. Through an approach aimed at elevating the degree of satisfaction for sexuality, it becomes possible to improve family functioning and realize a sense of family well-being.
Highlights
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of idiopathic chronic inflammatory intestinal conditions
The study took the form of a self-administered questionnaire survey, utilizing the Sexuality Satisfaction Index for IBD (SEXSI-IBD) for measuring sexuality and the Survey of Family Environment Survey of Family Environment (SFE) for measuring family functioning
The sexuality of IBD patients has been observed to correlate with family functioning in the family internal environment system, and in the family external environment system
Summary
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a group of idiopathic chronic inflammatory intestinal conditions. IBD includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Both UC and CD usually involve severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. These forms of IBD can be debilitating and sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. The recurrence of IBD symptoms and necessity for treatment are factors in lowered self-image and self-esteem, as well as anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction. These symptoms are believed to occur with mutual influence [2] [3]. By clarifying the ways in which these issues relate may provide suggestions as to where approaches should be taken
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