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Marital Satisfaction and Sexual Quality of Life of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

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Abstract

Sexuality is among the subjects that individuals diagnosed with ALS do not talk about. Focusing on the physical problems caused by the disease, condemnation, and contempt for the sexuality of the sick individual may prevent the patient from expressing one’s wishes and problems. The fact that the quality of sexual life can affect marital satisfaction is a widely accepted topic. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between sexual quality of life and marital satisfaction in individuals diagnosed with ALS. Fifty-two individuals diagnosed with ALS were included in this descriptive cross-sectional study. The patients’ SQLQ (Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire) scores were low and Marriage Satisfaction Scores (MSS) were moderate. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire (SQLQ) and age and marital satisfaction self sub-dimension. Health professionals should consider the sexuality dimension in patient care treatment and include sexual rehabilitation in their treatment plans.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Alper KAYA, Vice President of ALS-MNH (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease) Association, Gökhan ARIKAN, Member of the Board of Directors of the Association, and all participants who provided for the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Health Services Vocational College, Care of Elderly Program, Izmir Demokrasi University, Izmir, Turkey

    Songul DURAN

  2. Clinical nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Turkey

    Yasemin ÇIRAK

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  1. Songul DURAN
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Correspondence to Songul DURAN.

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DURAN, S., ÇIRAK, Y. Marital Satisfaction and Sexual Quality of Life of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Sex Disabil 40, 657–667 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-022-09755-x

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