The Effect of Burn Characteristics and Demographic Factors on Sexuality and Body Image

Abstract

Past research has shown that burn injuries can compromise patient’s body image, which may also affect their feelings of sexual attractiveness. Yet, the evidence for sexual problems in burn survivors is rather limited, and health care professionals often lack experience in treating such issues. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate body image and sexuality in a population with burns to help improve health care services for patients. A cross-sectional design was used to examine the effect of body image on sexuality and whether gender, burn size (TBSA%) and age predict sexual and body image (dis)satisfactions. Additionally, moderation effects of gender on burn size and body image, or sexuality were also investigated. The sample included N = 117 burn survivors from multiple burn centers in Belgium and the Netherlands, who were questioned six months after their injury. Results showed significant effects for gender on body image and sexuality, with women experiencing more dissatisfactions than men. Increasing age at injury and body image dissatisfaction both predicted decreases in sexuality. Moreover, greater TBSA% was associated with declines in body image, but not in sexual satisfaction. Lastly, no moderation effect for gender on TBSA% and sexuality or body image was found. These results provide evidence for significant deteriorations in patient’s satisfaction with body image and sexuality and thereby highlight the need for health care professionals to screen for and address sexuality and body image issues with their patients with burns.