Sexuality Following Burn Injuries: a Preliminary Study

Abstract

Responses to the sexuality and body image subdomains of the Burn Specific Health Scale - Brief Version (BSHS-B) were analysed, to identify the incidence of sexuality and body image changes in burn survivors from hospital discharge - 12 months post injury. Data were collected through examination of BSHS-B questionnaires (BSHS-B), from burns patients at hospital discharge and one, three, six and twelve month time points after burn injury. The results demonstrate that burn injuries have a significant negative impact on sexuality and body image satisfaction for burn survivors. The results raise concerns regarding potential long term quality of life (QoL) issues for burn survivors in these domains. Sexuality and body image following burn injuries are important QoL domains that should be addressed during post injury rehabilitation. This preliminary study shows that further empirical research regarding changes to sexuality and body image in the burns population is required.