Sexuality and the life-style of home dialysis patients.

This study was designed to assess the impact of chronic illness on the sexuality and life-style of a group of veterans with end stage renal disease. Thirty-two married home dialysis patients and 14 of their wives were interviewed by a sex therapist. An Index of Sexual Function (ISF) was developed to quantify 5 aspects of male genital function. The Index was correlated with the following: other major areas of sexuality including masculine self-concept, sex drive, sexual activity, sexual relationship, and sexual satisfaction; quality of life factors such as work, marital adjustment, and sociability; several demographic factors; and 15 medical variables. There were significant correlations between genital function and sexual satisfaction, the patient's attitude toward the importance of sex, sex drive, and positive feelings about the self. Better sexual function occurred in the patients with the least neuropathy; there was no correlation with other medical factors. Of the patients studies, 9 (28%) had full sexual function, 7 (22%) had moderate dysfunction, and 16 (50%) had severe dysfunction. Despite the genital dysfunction, marital and social adjustment of our patients compared favorably with studies of couples in the general population. After this study a sex counseling program was developed.

Sexual adjustment of spinal cord injured veterans living in the community.

Data were gathered from interviews conducted by the investigators with 145 spinal cord injured outpatients from the Veterans Administration Hospital, Bronx, NY. The index of Sexual Adjustment was developed based on factors such as adaptation to sexual limitations, partner satisfaction, sexual self-concept, and regularity of sexual contact. The index was correlated with 21 variables permitting a description of significant factors which are related to successful rehabilitation. Higher scores on the index were significantly and positively associated with better physical function, higher level of income, the roles of worker and community participant, higher morale, injury at an earlier age, younger current age, positive attitudes of self-acceptance and independence. Abstinence from sexual relations as a form of adjustment is also considered. Results of this study support the hypothesis that sexual adjustment is related to psychologic, social and physical factors that are relevant for successful rehabilitation. These findings suggest that sexuality is an integral part of the disabled person's personality and behavior and that adjustment to disability includes a sexual dimension.