Article

Previous research has suggested that sexuality is compromised
following traumatic brain injury (TBI), but there has been limited comparison
with healthy samples. The aim of the current study was to compare
sexuality in individuals with TBI with that in healthy controls matched for age
and gender. In doing this, the current study aimed to characterize those
individuals who reported a decrease in sexuality relative to those reporting an
increase according to certain demographic and injury variables. METHOD: A total
of 865 participants with predominantly moderate to severe TBI and 142 controls
completed the Brain Injury Questionnaire of Sexuality (BIQS), the Hospital
Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale on one
occasion. RESULTS: The results indicated that there was a significant difference
between participants with TBI and controls on all the BIQS subscales as well as
the total score. Age, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem levels significantly
differentiated participants with TBI who reported decreased sexuality from those
who reported increased sexuality. Participants with TBI attributed sexual changes
to various causes-most commonly, fatigue, low confidence, pain, decreased
mobility, and feeling unattractive. CONCLUSIONS: Further research examining the
factors contributing to sexual changes is warranted.

Langue : ANGLAIS