Factors affecting sexual health in individuals with spinal cord injury: A systematic scoping review

Purpose This study aims to review the literature to explore some factors affecting sexual and partnership adjustment in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods This study was based on the methodological framework of scoping reviews, including 3 methodological steps: (1) identifying relevant studies (searching for related studies); (2) selecting related studies; (3) collecting key findings, summarizing, and reporting the results. The electronic databases were searched including Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they reported data about the related factors of sexual and partnership adjustment in individuals with SCI. No limitations were considered in terms of time or methodology of the search. Results After the full-text screening, 52 studies were included from the year of 1978 to 2019 with various methodologies. The present review demonstrated that proper sexual health among individuals with SCI is related to several factors including the anatomical factor, level of the injury, completeness of the injury, psycho-social factor, socio-economic status, and type of relationship. Conclusion With consideration of factors affecting sexual and partnership adjustment in individuals with SCI, a better estimation of sexual health can be achieved in clinical to improve the relationship and quality of life.