An Investigation of Sexual/Reproductive Health Issues in Women with a Physical Disability

Abstract

Women with a physical disability continue to live with many physical, psychological, and social challenges. Long-term disability in women leads to negative consequences on their sexual functions. The study was designed to investigate sexual challenges in women with a physical disability. Employing a qualitative design, the study was conducted with ten married women with a physical disability, who fit into the inclusion criteria and had applied to the Physical Treatment and Rehabilitation Department of the Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University, in Konya, Turkey. The data related to women's sexual experiences, were analyzed using descriptive and content analysis. All participants were homemakers from middle-income families, with at least one child, and were socially supported by their families since their disorder. In addition to physical disability in all cases, seven participants were diagnosed with concomitant hypertension with diabetes mellitus, and three with concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with diabetes mellitus. All were found to experience sexual problems. Sexual dysfunction is seen as a frequently encountered health challenge in women with a physical disability and should definitely be evaluated in each patient. In light of our findings, it may be suggested that healthcare professionals should be made aware of the sexual lives of women with a physical disability and should be trained for counseling.