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Sexual and Reproductive Health Experiences, Knowledge and Associations: A Neglected Issue Among Adults with Spinal Cord Injury in Sri Lanka

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Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) is important yet less addressed in South Asia. We assessed their SRH related experiences, SRH knowledge and factors associated with such knowledge in Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was conducted among rehabilitated and community integrated SCI persons, identified through data sources maintained in the three main rehabilitation hospitals. A postal questionnaire retrieved information on SRH related experiences, problems faced and knowledge on improving SRH. Mean knowledge scores were compared to assess factors significantly associated with knowledge. Majority of the 159 respondents were males (89.3%) and injury at thoracic level (69.4%). After SCI, divorce/separation had been higher than in the general population; 67.1% felt sexual desire, which was consistent with higher frequency of sexual activity and the degree of sexual pleasure, but not with their confidence in satisfying partner, which was most likely due to urinary leakage and poor erection & ejaculation. Majority were unaware of the ability to reproduce (54.1%); on autonomic dysreflexia (87.4%) and management (96.2%); methods for improving erection (60.6–66.9%) and ejaculation (93.7%) in males; and vaginal lubrication in females (82.4%). Higher education, experiences in SRH and access to information were associated with good knowledge. Experiences as well as overall knowledge on SRH related to SCI were poor in Sri Lanka. Sexual education which appeared to influence their SRH knowledge, should be addressed through rehabilitation process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital Ragama, Gampaha, Sri Lanka

    Samitha Samanmalee Gowinnage

  2. Base Hospital, Horana, Sri Lanka

    Prabath Wicramabahu Senarath Paranayapa

  3. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, 25, Kynsey Road, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka

    Carukshi Arambepola

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  1. Samitha Samanmalee Gowinnage
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Gowinnage, S.S., Wicramabahu Senarath Paranayapa, P. & Arambepola, C. Sexual and Reproductive Health Experiences, Knowledge and Associations: A Neglected Issue Among Adults with Spinal Cord Injury in Sri Lanka. Sex Disabil 40, 687–700 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-022-09758-8

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