Assessment of sexual life in spina bifida patients: A survey among pediatric urologists

Objective

To assess the status of the sexual education approach with spina bifida (SB) patients.

Materials and methods

An online survey was sent to 223 pediatric urologists from Latin countries, all contacted using email or mobile messaging software. There were 12 questions about participants’ demographic characteristics and SB-specific care topics. Data was collected from January 2019 to January 2020. Checklist for reporting results of internet e-survey (CHERRIES) guidelines were followed to ensure the quality of this study.

Results

We received 101 valid answers from participants practicing in seven different countries. Among these, 98.4% confirmed that sexuality in the SB population is considered relevant, nevertheless it is only evaluated by 62.5%. Transitional urologists discuss sexuality more often than those whose practice consists solely of pediatric patients (70% vs. 50%). Basic surgeon training (urologist vs. pediatric surgeon), age, part or full-time pediatric urology practice and country of participants were of no statistically different influence inrates of approach to sexuality.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that pediatric urologists are insufficiently addressing sexuality in SB patients. Those who practise transitional urology show higher rates of approach to sexuality with SB patients, which suggests this is an important model of care.