Abstract:

Introduction: Stroke-related factors seem to have significant effects on sexual functions in physical, biological, and psychosocial areas. This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting the sexual functions of patients after stroke. Material- methods: This study consisted of 51 (53.1%) male and 45 (46.9%) female patients. Socio -demographics and clinical features of the patients were documented. Sexual functions evaluated with Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASES), International Index of Erectile function (IIEF) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results: The mean age of men and women were 57.76±7.57, and 60.13±12.71 years, respectively. When the ASES cut-off point was 11, we found that 88.5% of the participants (84.3% in men and 93.3% in women) had sexual dysfunction. There was no significant difference between the frequency of sexual dysfunction in women and men (p=0.166, Pearson Chi-square Test). According to univariate ANOVA results, age (p=0.028) and BDI (p<0.001) values had a significant effect on ASES. The side of stroke (p=0.030), Brunstrumm motor evaluation (upper extremity) (p=0.028) and Beck Depression Scale (p<0.001) values had a significant effect on IIEF total values. BDS (p=0.001) values significantly affected FSFI total values. Conclusion: The data obtained from our study showed that post-stroke sexual dysfunctions are significantly high in Turkish rehabilitation inpatient clinics. Post-stroke sexual dysfunctions are linked to multiple etiologies, both organic (hemispheric lesion side, etc.) and psychosocial (depression, etc.).

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