The Relationship Between Hopelessness and Sexual Problems in Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

This study aims to determine the sexual problems of the patients with spinal cord injury and to analyze the relationship between these problems and the hopelessness levels of the patients. This descriptive cross-sectional study, which employed a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) was conducted on 53 inpatients at a physical therapy and rehabilitation hospital in Turkey. Questionnaire on Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale and Semi-Structured Interview Form on Sexuality and Hopelessness were used for data collection. Statements of the participants on sexuality and hopelessness were grouped under five themes: perception of sexuality, factors increasing sexual satisfaction, sexual problems, future expectations and expectations from health personnel. Sexual problems and hopelessness levels of female participants were higher (p < .05). Hopelessness levels of male participants increased as their sexual drive and arousal increased (p < .05). Finally, patients that did not consult health professionals for sexual problems had lower expectations from the future (p < .05). Hopelessness levels of the male participants with spinal court injury was lower than their female counterparts. They had hopes for treatment and the possibility of walking. This may be related with the fact that health professionals prioritized treatment and rehabilitation over sexual life.