Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Sexuality and Disability, cilt.41, sa.4, ss.785-804, 2023 (SSCI)
This study was to evaluate the sexual functions of individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and determine their sexuality perceptions and sexual care needs. This convergent parallel design mixed methods study was conducted with eight volunteer participants with T1DM aged 25–47 years. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, Female Sexual Function Index Scale, Erection Function International Evaluation Form and semi-structured interview form. 50% of the participants are male. Erectile dysfunction was found in all men, and sexual dysfunction was found in 25% of women. As a result of the in-depth interviews, the sexuality perceptions and sexual care needs of the participants were gathered in five categories. These were (1) Meaning, (2) Difficulties in Relationship, (3) Barriers to Getting Professional Support, (4) Help Seeking Behavior, (5) Sexual Care Recommendations. In addition, participants produced metaphors to describe their sexuality before and after T1DM. Participants produced negative metaphors after being diagnosed with T1DM. It has been observed that participants with T1DM experience physiological and psychological difficulties in their sexual lives, and they often find solutions on their own rather than seeking professional support to cope with these difficulties. As a result, individuals with T1DM need training and sexual counseling on the effects of T1DM on sexuality, how they can cope with their sexual problems, and which institutions they can apply to for solutions to their problems.