Sexual Dysfunction and Associated Factors Among Post-Stroke Patients in a Rehabilitation Setting in Kinshasa: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: Although common, post-stroke sexual dysfunctions are rarely screened for systematically in routine practice in rehabilitation units in Kinshasa.
Objective: To determine its prevalence and associated factors among post-stroke patients in rehabilitation settings in Kinshasa.
Methodology: Cross-sectional analytical study conducted on 169 patients. Male and female sexual function, depression and cognition, motor skills, and disability were assessed using validated tools. Statistical analyses (Pearson's χ² and logistic regression) were performed using Jamovi 2.6.44, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05.
Results: Half of patients were aged 62 years old, with 58% being men. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) was 56.2 %. In multivariate analysis, female sex was associated with lower odds of sexual dysfunction (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.14–0.81), whereas obesity (OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.05–5.74), cognitive impairment (OR = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.31–7.86), and post-stroke depression (OR = 6.29; 95% CI: 2.40–16.50) were independently associated with higher odds of sexual dysfunction. Smoking was associated with lower odds of sexual dysfunction (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.10–0.79). Age showed a non-significant trend.
Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent among stroke survivors in rehabilitation in Kinshasa and is strongly associated with depression, cognitive impairment, and obesity. These findings support systematic screening and multidisciplinary management of sexual health in post-stroke care.
Keywords: Associated factors, Rehabilitation, Stroke, Sexual dysfunction
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