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Systematic & Meta-analytic Review Paper

Spinal Cord Injury

Health Services Research

International

Towards a Sex-positive View of Sexuality Post-sci: A Qualitative Metasynthesis 0416

Friday, November 1, 2024

3:45 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: ROOM: De Soto A REGION: Tower Lobby Level >>> DIRECTIONS: From ACRM Registration desk, face the elephants and turn right. Proceed past the lobby elevators and turn right to enter the West Wing. Proceed down the corridor, turn right and then left. De Soto A is the second room on the right.

Presenting Author(s)

Roxanna N. Pebdani, PhD (she/her/hers)

Associate Professor
The University of Sydney
Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia

Slides

Non-presenting author(s)

MH

Marita Heck

Adjunct Research Fellow
Griffith University
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Non-presenting Author(s)

BI

Blaze Ireland

Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia
Asmita Mudholkar, PhD OTR FHEA

Academic Lead Allied Health
JCU Central QLD
Emerald, Queensland, Australia
MV

Michele Verdonck

Senior Lecturer
University of the Sunshine Coast
Maroochydore DC, Queensland, Australia

It is important to understand what can facilitate positive sexuality for people with SCI. A systematic review and metasynthesis of 38 qualitative papers on sexuality for people with SCI was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Thematic synthesis was conducted in three stages: line-by-line coding; identification of common descriptive themes across papers; and generation of novel analytical themes. Specific attention was paid to facilitators of sexuality. 38 eligible papers were analysed. Thematic synthesis resulted in four descriptive themes linked to positive sexuality: 1) being sexually active; 2) new and other ways of sexual expression; 3) having a positive relationship with a partner; and 4) peer support. These descriptive themes were interrelated and incorporated in two in-depth analytical themes: 1) Redefining sexuality and 2) Establishing a sexual identity. Results demonstrate that to maintain a sex-positive approach to sexuality rehabilitation for people with SCI, sexuality facilitators should remain at the forefront of sexual rehabilitation.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, the participant will be able to address the importance of a strengths-based and sex-positive frame of sexuality post-SCI.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to describe how an evolving definition of sexuality, new and other ways of sexual expression, being sexually active, access to appropriate resources, having the right partner, and establishing a sexual self can promote positive sexuality post-SCI.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to consider how their own biases might impact how they view sexuality post-SCI.

Disclosure(s):

Roxanna N. Pebdani, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose