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A Literature Review to Determine the Impact of Sexuality and Body Image Changes Following Burn Injuries

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to perform a review of the existing literature to (a) determine the impact of sexuality and body image changes following burn injuries in an adult population and (b) identify if there is a relationship between the two variables and the impact this potentially has on burns survivors’ quality of life. A total of 16 research articles; sexuality (n = 5) and body image (n = 8), sourced from online databases were reviewed. Both quantitative and qualitative studies that investigated adult burn survivors in both inpatient and outpatient settings were included in this review. The literature suggests there is an interaction between body image dissatisfaction, sexual satisfaction and long-term psychological adjustment, particularly for female burn survivors. However, methodological limitations of the studies reviewed limits the transferability of the findings to clinical practice. Three themes were identified throughout the literature; satisfaction/dissatisfaction, adjustment issues and stigmatisation. Changes in body image and sexuality have a potential negative effect on burn survivors’ long-term quality of life. Further collaborative empirical research is required to understand the incidence and prevalence of these issues as well as intervention studies evaluating treatment programs for best practice.

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Acknowledgement

Kylie Connell has received the following scholarships: Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) Scholarship, Curtin University, Curtin Research Scholarship, Curtin University. For the remaining authors no sources of funding were declared.

Conflict of interest

I declare that there are no known conflicts of interest with regard to this research article for all authors involved.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sexology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, Australia

    K. M. Connell, R. Coates & M. Doherty-Poirier

  2. Fiona Wood Foundation, Perth, WA, Australia

    K. M. Connell & F. M. Wood

  3. Burns Service of Western Australia, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia

    F. M. Wood

  4. Burn Injury Research Unit, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia

    F. M. Wood

Authors
  1. K. M. Connell
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  2. R. Coates
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  3. M. Doherty-Poirier
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  4. F. M. Wood
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Correspondence to K. M. Connell.

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Connell, K.M., Coates, R., Doherty-Poirier, M. et al. A Literature Review to Determine the Impact of Sexuality and Body Image Changes Following Burn Injuries. Sex Disabil 31, 403–412 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-013-9321-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-013-9321-9

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