Sexuality and sickle cell disease

Chronic illness can impact negatively on sexuality and sexual satisfaction. A group of 44 patients with sickle cell anemia and a control group of 42 individuals with no chronic illness completed the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory (DSFI). The sickle cell anemia group also completed the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale--Self-Report (PAIS-SR). Cumulative scores on the PAIS-SR were used to divide the sickle cell anemia group into two subgroups--those who were poorly adjusted to their illness and those who were well adjusted to their illness. Analysis of the scores showed significant differences in sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction between those in the sickle cell group who were well adjusted to their illness and those who were poorly adjusted. Of note was the fact that there was no statistically significant difference between the DSFI scores in the well adjusted group and the control group. Other significant factors included the lack of accurate sexual information in the sickle cell anemia group and the importance of satisfaction with the health-care system in total adjustment to illness. In addition, results revealed that severity of illness had little impact on adjustment to illness.