People with lower limb amputation and their sexual functioning and sexual well-being

Verschuren, Jesse E. A.; Geertzen, Joannes; Enzlin, Paul; Dijkstra, Pieter U.; Dekker, Rienk

doi:10.3109/09638288.2014.913704

Cited by 16 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 27 publications

(29 reference statements)

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“…Verschuren and colleagues developed this model through a comprehensive review of the literature as well as their many years of clinical experience. The model has subsequently been used as a guiding theoretical framework in various studies on chronic illness and sexuality [ 12 , 21 , 22 ]. The key assumption of this model is that sexuality is a multifaceted phenomenon, shaped by organic, hormonal, and psychosocial factors, and that chronic illness involves psychosocial stressors in addition to physical symptoms.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

"My wife's mistrust. That's the saddest part of being a diabetic": A qualitative study of sexual well-being in men with Type 2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa

et al. 2018

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IntroductionSexual dysfunction is a common complication for men with diabetes, yet little is known about the lived experiences of sexual difficulties within the context of diabetes, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. This study explores how men with type 2 diabetes in three sub-Saharan African settings (Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa; Lilongwe, Malawi) perceive and experience sexual functioning and sexual well-being, and the biopsychosocial contexts in which these occur and are shaped.MethodsWe used a qualitative research design, including individual interviews (n = 15) and focus group discussions (n = 4). Forty-seven men were included in the study. We used an inductive thematic analysis approach to develop our findings. A biopsychosocial conceptual model on the relationship between chronic illness and sexuality informed the interpretation of findings.ResultsMen across the study settings identified sexual difficulties as a central concern of living with diabetes. These difficulties went beyond biomedical issues of erectile dysfunction, comprising complex psychological and relational effects. Low self-esteem, related to a sense of loss of masculinity and reduced sexual and emotional intimacy in partner relationships were common experiences. Specific negative relational effects included suspicion of infidelity, mutual mistrust, general unhappiness, and fear of losing support from partners. These effects may impact on men’s ability to cope with their diabetes. Further stressors were a lack of information about the reasons for their sexual difficulties, perceived lack of support from healthcare providers and an inability to communicate with partners about sexual difficulties.ConclusionMore in-depth research is needed to better understand sexual functioning and well-being within the context of diabetes, and its potential impact on diabetes self-management. Holistic and patient-centered care should include raising awareness of sexual problems as a potential complication of diabetes amongst patients, their partners and care providers, and incorporating sexual well-being as part of routine clinical care.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

"My wife's mistrust. That's the saddest part of being a diabetic": A qualitative study of sexual well-being in men with Type 2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa

et al. 2018

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“…The users state that it is important for themselves as well as for their partners or others in their surroundings to accept the prosthetic device [ 54 , 79 , 82 , 85 – 87 ]. The acceptance of the device is related to the need for sexual activity or proper sexual functioning [ 70 , 83 , 100 , 103 , 104 ], predominantly reported by male users, because body image disturbances [ 1 ] and self-consciousness can lead to sexual dysfunction [ 103 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of user needs to drive the development of lower limb prostheses

Manz

Valette

Damonte

et al. 2022

J NeuroEngineering Rehabil

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Background The development of bionic legs has seen substantial improvements in the past years but people with lower-limb amputation still suffer from impairments in mobility (e.g., altered balance and gait control) due to significant limitations of the contemporary prostheses. Approaching the problem from a human-centered perspective by focusing on user-specific needs can allow identifying critical improvements that can increase the quality of life. While there are several reviews of user needs regarding upper limb prostheses, a comprehensive summary of such needs for those affected by lower limb loss does not exist. Methods We have conducted a systematic review of the literature to extract important needs of the users of lower-limb prostheses. The review included 56 articles in which a need (desire, wish) was reported explicitly by the recruited people with lower limb amputation (N = 8149). Results An exhaustive list of user needs was collected and subdivided into functional, psychological, cognitive, ergonomics, and other domain. Where appropriate, we have also briefly discussed the developments in prosthetic devices that are related to or could have an impact on those needs. In summary, the users would like to lead an independent life and reintegrate into society by coming back to work and participating in social and leisure activities. Efficient, versatile, and stable gait, but also support to other activities (e.g., sit to stand), contribute to safety and confidence, while appearance and comfort are important for the body image. However, the relation between specific needs, objective measures of performance, and overall satisfaction and quality of life is still an open question. Conclusions Identifying user needs is a critical step for the development of new generation lower limb prostheses that aim to improve the quality of life of their users. However, this is not a simple task, as the needs interact with each other and depend on multiple factors (e.g., mobility level, age, gender), while evolving in time with the use of the device. Hence, novel assessment methods are required that can evaluate the impact of the system from a holistic perspective, capturing objective outcomes but also overall user experience and satisfaction in the relevant environment (daily life).

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“…However, to incorporate sexuality into post-amputation rehabilitation goals, rehabilitation care providers must address sexuality with their patients. In a qualitative study of individuals with recent LEA, it was noted that most study participants agreed that discussing sexuality with their care providers would have been useful (Verschuren, Geertzen, Enzlin, Dijkstra, & Dekker, 2015). Even some partners of those with recent LEA indicated that discussing sexuality with a professional might be helpful (Verschuren, Zhdanova, et al, 2013), although patient (and partner) anxiety may prevent them from initiating a discussion (Gianotten, Bender, Post, & Höing, 2006).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%