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The Development of a Scale to Assess the Training Needs of Professionals in Providing Sexuality Rehabilitation Following Spinal Cord Injury

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Abstract

The training needs of rehabilitation professionals in the area of sexuality and sexual function, particularly following spinal cord injury (SCI) has received little attention in the literature. Specifically, there is negligible theoretical discussion related to staff training needs, as well as a paucity of standardised scales to measure these needs. A conceptual model was developed encompassing staff knowledge, comfort, and attitudes towards sexuality following SCI. Using this model, a scale was developed, evaluated, and refined. Factor analysis supported the construct validity of the scale in measuring the existing conceptual model outlined but highlighted the existence of a separate construct related to personal approaches from clients. The subsequently named Knowledge, Comfort, Approach and Attitudes towards Sexuality Scale (KCAASS) demonstrated high levels of internal consistency across the four conceptual domains. The KCAASS has utility for rehabilitation facilities interested in identifying and targeting training initiatives related to addressing client sexuality needs following SCI.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Transitional Rehabilitation Program, Queensland Spinal Cord Injury Service, PO Box 6053, Buranda, QLD, 4102, Australia

    Melissa Kendall & Susan Booth

  2. Spinal Injuries Unit, Queensland Spinal Cord Injury Service, Brisbane, Australia

    Patricia Fronek, Deborah Miller & Timothy Geraghty

Authors
  1. Melissa Kendall
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  2. Susan Booth
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  3. Patricia Fronek
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  4. Deborah Miller
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  5. Timothy Geraghty
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Correspondence to Melissa Kendall.

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Kendall, M., Booth, S., Fronek, P. et al. The Development of a Scale to Assess the Training Needs of Professionals in Providing Sexuality Rehabilitation Following Spinal Cord Injury. Sexuality and Disability 21, 49–64 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023510925729

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023510925729

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