A mobile-based educational intervention on sexo-marital life in Iranian men with spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial.

STUDY DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of a mobile-based educational intervention on sexo-marital life in Iranian men with spinal cord injury (SCI).

SETTING

Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs', "Spinal Cord Injury Association", and the "Protection Center of Spinal Cord Disables".

METHODS

Participants were men with SCI aged at least 18 years old. The effectiveness of a mobile App was evaluated on 70 married men with SCI. Sexual adjustment, sexual satisfaction, marital adjustment, and marital satisfaction were assessed by valid and reliable questionnaires at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention.

RESULTS

The between-group mean difference (95% CI) of sexual adjustment (4.2, CI: 3.6-4.8) after 4 weeks as well as 8 weeks (8.6, CI: 7.6-9.5) after baseline was significant (P < 0.001). The between-group mean difference (95% CI) of sexual satisfaction (6.9, CI: 8-11.2) after 4 weeks as well as 8 weeks (16.4, CI: 14.1-18.7) after baseline was significant (P < 0.001). There were significant increases in all the domains of marital satisfaction's between-group mean differences after 4 weeks as well as 8 weeks after baseline (P < 0.001). Repeated measures ANOVA showed there was no statistically significant increase in marital adjustment's between-group mean difference (95% CI) after 4 weeks (-0.1, CI: -0.1- 0, P < 0.16) as well as 8 weeks (0.4, CI: -0.3-1.1, P < 0.25) after baseline.

CONCLUSION

The application-based educational intervention showed the positive effect of education on sexo-marital life in men with SCI. We recommend the rehabilitation team's healthcare providers embrace this educational strategy for individuals with SCI.