Abstract

MYBURGH, JG; FOURIE, R  and  VAN NIEKERK, AH. Efficacy of sexual counselling during the rehabilitation of spinal cord injured patients. SA orthop. j. [online]. 2010, vol.9, n.4, pp.46-48. ISSN 2309-8309.

Spinal cord injury is a life-changing experience. During rehabilitation the emphasis is to help the patient to become as independent as possible in performing the activities of daily living. This study was conducted to determine the importance and efficacy of sexual counselling in the rehabilitation of spinal cord injured patients. The study population comprised a randomly selected group of 102 spinal cord injured patients treated at a tertiary institution. A research questionnaire was used to perform personal as well as telephonic interviews. The study showed that some spinal cord injured patients were inadequately counselled on sexual function during rehabilitation. There were statistically significant differences between male and female patients, and white and black patients. Patient counselling needs to be more thorough, specialised and individualised. Patients' partners should also be counselled to ensure that they work as a team to create mutual sexual satisfaction. Counselling should always be available at follow-up visits.

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