title: Sexual Function, Satisfaction, and Use of Aids for Sexual Activity in Middle-Aged Adults with Long-Term Physical Disability.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sexuality is an important aspect of quality of life in individuals with disabilities, yet little is known about what factors contribute to sexual satisfaction as these individuals age.
  
  
  METHODS
  Middle-aged adults with physical disabilities completed a cross-sectional survey that included measures of sexual activity, function, and satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Consistent with studies of able-bodied adults, sexual function was the strongest predictor of satisfaction. However, depression also predicted sexual satisfaction for women. Use of aids for sexual activity varied by disability type and was generally associated with better function. Lowest levels of sexual satisfaction were reported by men with SCI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Depression may negatively impact sexual satisfaction in women, beyond contributions of sexual dysfunction, and effective use of sexual aids may improve function in this population.
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
authors.forename: Amanda E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
authors.forename: Ivan R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Molton
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
authors.forename: Kara
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McMullen
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
authors.forename: Mark P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Jensen
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009136:Muscular Dystrophies / Q000523:psychology; D016262:Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000523:psychology
keywords: muscular dystrophy; post-polio syndrome; sexual dysfunction; spinal cord injury