Sex Education Programs’ Content Analysis and Perception Among Spinal Cord Injury Individuals: A Scoping Review

Abstract

People living with Spinal Cord Injury (pwSCI) are likely to experience sexuality issues. While sex education is an option to help manage these challenges, this scoping review aimed to identify the content of sex education interventions provided to pwSCI and to analyze participants' perceptions of these interventions. A scoping review was performed in PubMed, Cochrane library, Science Direct, PEDro and Web of Science including SciELO until January 30, 2025. Studies were included if patients received a sex education intervention and if a content analysis or patient opinion was available. Two reviewers conducted the study selection, and a third reviewer resolved conflicts. Results: The search yielded 3449 records, from which 18 studies were included. 14 studies reported formal education programs, while 4 studies focused on the variety of sex education experiences pwSCI received as part of rehabilitation. Program modalities varied, but shared similarities: mainly face-to-face delivery, post-rehabilitation care, external resources provision, delivered either in a one-time intensive session or over several weeks, mainly by physicians, nurses and psychologists. Topics were both physical and psychological, covering physiology as well as relationships and self-esteem, and suggesting practical strategies. Intervention perception findings suggest that formal sex education programs meet the needs of pwSCI with overall majority being satisfied and recommending these programs to other pwSCI. Information provided during routine care appears insufficient and divergent from pwSCI expectations. This study highlights the importance of designing sex education programs tailored to the specific needs of pwSCI targeting primary, secondary and tertiary sexual dysfunctions.