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Research Article

Internet-based sexual health resources for those living with spinal cord injury: A content analysis

Jessica Ahrens1 Parkwood Institute Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada;2 St. Joseph’s Health Care, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Randy Upper1 Parkwood Institute Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada;2 St. Joseph’s Health Care, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Eldon Loh1 Parkwood Institute Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada;2 St. Joseph’s Health Care, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada;3 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Dalton Wolfe1 Parkwood Institute Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada;2 St. Joseph’s Health Care, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada;3 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Charlie Giurleo1 Parkwood Institute Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada;2 St. Joseph’s Health Care, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Ella Courten1 Parkwood Institute Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada;2 St. Joseph’s Health Care, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Shannon Janzen1 Parkwood Institute Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada;2 St. Joseph’s Health Care, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Merna Seliman1 Parkwood Institute Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada;2 St. Joseph’s Health Care, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada;3 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
&
Swati Mehta1 Parkwood Institute Research, Lawson Health Research Institute, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada;2 St. Joseph’s Health Care, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada;3 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, CanadaCorrespondence[email protected]
ORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5036-9055
ORCID Icon show all
Published online: 10 Jul 2023
 
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Abstract

Context

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) disrupt physiological functioning which can significantly impact sexuality. Those with SCI may rely heavily on Internet sexual health resources for many reasons. Evaluation of current internet health resources is warranted to identify the gaps in the literature.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to conduct a purposive review of available Internet sexual health resources for those with SCI.

Methods

A Google search was completed with search terms such as: “SCI and sexual functioning”, “SCI and sexuality”, “SCI and pregnancy” and “SCI and sexual pleasure”. Resources were selected if they: (1) provided sexual health education to those with SCI; (2) were designed to increase skills-based learning or influence attitudes and beliefs; and (3) in English language. All identified resources were imported to NVivo 1.5.1 where a thematic content analysis was conducted.

Results

The search resulted in 123 resources meeting the criteria. The most common themes included: Sexual functioning (in 83.7% of resources), Reproductive health (67.5%) and Impact of Secondary Complications (61.8%). The least common themes were Psychosocial (24.4%), Stigma (13.8%), and Quality of Life (12.2%). No information was coded for LGBTQ+.

Discussion

Sexual health and SCI information focuses primarily on heterosexual males and specifically on sexual functioning. Resources addressing female sexuality were extremely limited and focused largely on reproduction. There was a complete absence of resource aimed to address LGBTQ+ people.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate a need for Internet-based sexual health education resources to meet the needs of diverse individuals including women and gender non-conforming people.

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