Sexuality Rehabilitation For People Living With Spinal Cord Injury : Current Occupational Therapy Practice In South Africa

Abstract

Introduction: Sexuality is a complex and intricate aspect of what makes us human; people living with spinal cord injuries have expressed the need for this to be addressed during their rehabilitation. Occupational therapists tend to (unintentionally) overlook and ineffectively address sexuality during rehabilitation. Clinician confidence and limited knowledge are some of the biggest contributing factors. Occupational therapists possess unique skills to facilitate restoration and development of meaningful occupational participation after sustaining a debilitating injury. Consequentially, occupational therapists are uniquely qualified to address goals regarding sexuality as well as to reaffirm and re-establish their sexuality after a life-altering event. Aim and objectives: This study aimed to gain a clearer understanding of the sexuality rehabilitation practices in occupational therapy for people living with spinal cord injury in the South African context as well as to identify the factors influencing the current practice. Research design: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study design was applied. Method: South African occupational therapists with experience in the field of spinal cord injury rehabilitation were invited to participate in this study. Purposive convenience and snowball sampling were applied to reach as many participants as possible. Thereafter descriptive data analysis was done. All ethical considerations were adhered to. Results: Occupational therapists are aware of the importance sexuality, however, their discomfort to introduce this topic to their clients and the limited knowledge they have concerning sexuality rehabilitation prevents them from freely engaging with their clients. The time limit in the rehabilitation programme also contributed to the ineffective sexuality rehabilitation services the therapists could provide. The results highlighted a great need to empower these occupational therapists. Conclusion: South African occupational therapists face several factors influencing sexuality rehabilitation practices. By gaining a deeper understanding of these factors, various remedies can be implemented to aid in the improvement of the participants’ comfort and knowledge to ensure optimal intervention for their clients' sexuality occupational performance. Key Terms: Sexuality Rehabilitation, Sexuality, Sexuality Occupational Performance, Spinal Cord Injury, Occupational Therapy, South Africa