Lived experiences of the sexual and reproductive health consequences of parkinson's disease and their impact on health-related quality of life in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

Despite being a vital component of daily life and a significant determinant of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), sexual and reproductive health (SRH) remains an overlooked aspect in people with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD) in Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to explore lived experiences of the SRH consequences of PD, and their impact on the HRQoL of PwPD. METHOD: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 individuals with PD attending follow-up treatment at tertiary hospitals in Ethiopia. Participants of all age groups and age at onset of PD, marital status and disease stage were included in the study. We applied reflexive thematic data analysis by using ATLASti 7.1 software.

RESULTS

A total of 12 male and 8 female individuals with PD participated, spanning an age range from 37 to 80 years. Poor sexual intimacy, lack of sexual desire, sexual dissatisfaction, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, penile size decrement and seminal fluid leakage were identified as sexual health consequences of PD. Reproductive health consequences are less children than desired, abortion, and perceived infertility. Experiencing SRH consequences of PD negatively affected interpersonal relationships, including marital relationships, and mental health dimensions of HRQoL of participants.

CONCLUSION

PwPD experience diverse SRH impairments and compromised HRQoL, regardless of age and gender. Routine assessment and care of SRH of PwPD is essential to improve HRQoL. It is imperative for clinicians to be mindful of and address the SRH needs of PwPD to ensure comprehensive care and improve HRQoL.