Relationships and sexual functioning in patients after stroke, a longitudinal observational study.

Each year approximately 30,000 people in the Netherlands will have a
cerebrovascular accident (CVA). A stroke can have major impact on the quality
of life. Part of the quality of life are the relationship, intimacy and
sexuality, for the patient as well as the partner. Experience shows that
patients do not easily make their intimate relationship the subject of their
rehabilitation goals.
Research into the effects of a stroke on the intimate relationship and sexual
functioning is scarce. Because stroke patients and their partners are a
significant group of patients in the care of Sophia Rehabilitation, it is
important to understand the course of the relational and sexual problems they
obtain, as well as understanding their need for care.

This study aims to determine the following:
* What is the nature and extent of relational and sexual problems of stroke
patients and their partners.
* What is the time course of the relational and sexual problems of stroke
patients and their partners.

In addition, the researchers are trying to get answers to the following
questions:
* What are the determinants of relational and sexual problems in stroke
patients and their partners.
* In what extent is there a need for care on relational and sexual problems in
stroke patients and their partners.

Longitudinal, observational, single-center study with a follow-up period of 1
year in adult patients within the care of Sophia Rehabilitation Center
(inpatients and outpatients). The patients will be send 3 times during the
study a questionnaire: < 26, 26, 52 weeks after stroke. When the first
questionnaire arrives with the respondent between week 22 and 26 after event,
the second regular questionaire will be canceled.

Burden for the patient and partner is limited to 2 or 3 times completing and
returning a questionnaire, which takes 1 to 1.5 hours a time to complete. The
study invites to reflect on their own relationship and sexuality. This can make
people aware of personal loss or deprivation. The study can grow awareness of
feelings that people usually prefer not to have (eg, sadness or frustration).
The quastionnaire can lead couples into to talking about their intimate
relationship. This can improve the relationship, but also can sharpen their
focus on underlying conflicts.

This research is justified for its results will bring a better understanding of
the specific problems of people with stroke and their partners both
relationally and sexually. The results can incite to match these - often hidden
- problems in a better way. The results of the study can contribute to improved
care for the treatment of sexual and relational problems after stroke.