Sexual dysfunction and quality of life after spinal cord Injury / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate sexual dysfunction and its rehabilitation,as well as quality of life in patients after spinal cord injury(SCI). Methods Sixty-two male patients with SCl were assessed with a 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF-5),an especially-designed sexual function scale,and the World Health Organization's quality of life questionnaire(WHO-QOL).Their results were compared with those of 146 other patients with work injuries hospitalized in the same period.Results 77.9% of 62 cases had moderate to severe erectile dysfunction.though more than half of them remained sexually active.52.7% had attempted sexual intercourse,but only 19.5% succeeded,and only 14.5% obtained sexual satisfaction.69.1% of the 62 patients had psychological symptoms,and 27.27% had family problems.Their average score on the WHO-QOL was significantly lower than that of the other disabled workers.There were significant differences between the two groups with regard to quality of life.especially in the physiological and social relationships domains. Conclusion Most male patients with SCI had sexual dysfunction and decreased quality of life.Sexual dysfunction rehabilitation of SCI patients needs urgent strengthening.