Sexual Dysfunction and Stroke Duration Among Stroke Survivors Attending Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano State

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction is common among stroke survivors in Nigeria as it is with other stroke survivors in the western world with marked decline sexual  functioning after stroke. However, this is not often given consideration in the overall management of stroke. This study investigates the  relationship between stroke duration on sexual dysfunction. The methodology used involve: A descriptive cross sectional survey in which sixty (60)  male and female stroke survivals patients attending the Physiotherapy departments of Murtala Muhammad Specialists Hospital Kano were studied.  International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire (IIEF) and Female Sexual Function Index Questionnaire (FSFIQ) were used to assess sexual  function of male and female Sexual stroke survivors respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to summarise and analyse the data.  Alpha level was significant at 0.05. The results obtained were: The mean age of the participants is 51.07±9.18. There is no significant difference  in sexual dysfunction across gender (u=418.50, p=0.61). Orgasm and intercourse satisfaction are found to be more affected among males  in all the domains. In female, sexual satisfaction and vaginal lubrication is the most affected. There is significant difference in sexual  dysfunction across different categories of duration (acute, sub-acute and chronic) after stroke with acute stage more affected in both sexes. Positive  relationship exists between stroke and overall “sexual dysfunction” in all domains of sexual dysfunction in male and some domains in female stroke  survivors. In conclusion, relationship exists between stroke and sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunctions do not differ across gender and duration of  stroke, particularly the acute phase is more affected.