The Association of Depression, Anxiety, and Quality of Life with Sexual Function in Young-to-Middle-Aged Stroke Patients: A Case-Control Study
NEUROREHABILITATION, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1177/10538135261468010
- Dergi Adı: NEUROREHABILITATION
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Despite its impact, sexual health remains a neglected component of rehabilitation for younger stroke patients. Aim: To evaluate sexual dysfunction prevelance in stroke patients and examine its association with health-related quality of life and psychological distress. Methods: This case-control study included 30 stroke patients and 30 matched controls. Data were collected using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQOL), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: Patients had significantly higher total ASEX scores (19.3 +/- 6.6 vs. 13.0 +/- 3.1, p < 0.001), and a higher prevalence of dysfunction than controls (p = 0.004), reporting a significant decline in sexual satisfaction (7.5 to 4.1, p < 0.001). Sexual function was significantly associated with the SSQOL Energy, Thinking, and Language domains (p < 0.05), and HADS-Depression (r = 0.450, p = 0.013), but not with functional state. Strengths and Limitations: Strengths include a matched control group. Limitations include a small sample and cross-sectional design, potential selection bias from a high refusal rate, and restricted psychological variance due to clinical exclusions. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction represents a multifaceted challenge for young-to-middle-aged stroke patients, appearing more closely linked to perceived quality of life domains (cognitive, energy, emotional well-being) than to motor deficits. Sexual health may be affected even in patients with low physical disability. Clinical Implications: Rehabilitation should address holistic needs. Healthcare professionals could benefit from incorporating sexual health screenings into routine care, considering the management of fatigue and depressive symptoms to support long-term well-being.