title: Factors associated with sexuality following traumatic brain injury.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous research has demonstrated that sexuality is compromised following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine the association between sexuality following TBI and demographic, injury-related, and postinjury variables (age, gender, time since injury, posttraumatic amnesia duration, independence in activities of daily activities (ADL), antidepressant use, depression, and self-esteem).
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants included 986 individuals with predominantly moderate to severe TBI, who completed the Brain Injury Questionnaire of Sexuality (BIQS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and an ADL assessment on 1 or more occasions, providing a total of 1673 assessments across 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, and 20 years postinjury.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Being depressed, older in age, at shorter time postinjury, and less independent in ADL significantly predicted poorer overall BIQS scores as well as the Sexual Functioning subscale score. Poorer Relationship Quality and Self-esteem scores on the BIQS were predicted by older age at injury and higher levels of depression. Lower Mood score on the BIQS was associated with shorter posttraumatic amnesia duration, younger age, and higher levels of depression. Self-esteem was associated positively with sexuality outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Therapeutic interventions for sexuality need to focus on depression where indicated and self-esteem and address specific barriers to social participation and opportunities for sexual contact in individuals who are less independent in ADL.
authors: School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. jennie.ponsford@monash.edu
authors: Jennie L
authors: JL
authors: Ponsford
authors: Marina G
authors: MG
authors: Downing
authors: Rene
authors: R
authors: Stolwyk
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult