Experiences of patients and their partners with sexual problems after spinal cord injury: A phenomenological qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the experiences of patients and their partners about their sexual lives after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).

Design: This qualitative study was based on Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenological approach.

Setting: The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic of a city hospital in the Central Anatolia Region in Turkey.

Participants: The study consisted of seven female and six male patients with spinal cord injury and their partners.

Outcome measures: The textual analysis was carried out in three stages: (1) a naive reading, (2) a structural analysis, and (3) a comprehensive understanding of the text including a discussion. The sample size was calculated by using the criterion sampling technique.

Results: As a result of the in-depth interviews with individuals with SCI about their sexual experiences, five themes were derived: (1) first confrontation with SCI, (2) experienced sexual problems, (3) coping, (4) partners’ views on sexual problems, and (5) other people.

Conclusion: It was found that the sex life of individuals with SCI was negatively affected, they were left helpless in dealing with their problems, and that some patients had difficulties in coping with this condition.