Prevalence and risk factors for sexual dysfunction in reproductive-aged married women: A cross-sectional epidemiological study.

AIM

We aimed (i) to evaluate the point prevalence for sexual dysfunction in a population of reproductive-aged married women living in an urban area in Isparta, Turkey, (ii) to examine demographic and psychosocial risk factors for sexual dysfunction.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional design, following single-stage cluster sampling all married women living in three representative areas (n = 1323) were approached at their place of residence. Female sexual dysfunction, poor mental health and marital adjustment were assessed with the 9-item Index of Female Sexual Function, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire, and Locke-Wallace Short Marital-Adjustment Test, respectively. Descriptive data were presented as frequencies, percentages and mean ± standard deviations. Chi-square and independent samples t-test were used for univariate analysis. Logistic regression model was constructed to define independent risk factors for sexual dysfunction. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of the 1216 women included in analyses (response rate 91.9%), 45.0% experience sexual dysfunction. Poor marital adjustment and poor mental health are associated with sexual dysfunction (odds ratio = 4.06; 95% confidence interval = 2.97-5.54; odds ratio = 2.74; 95% confidence interval = 2.00-3.72, respectively). Lack of social insurance, chronic disease of the spouse, perception of deficient knowledge on sexuality-related topics, perceived sexual problems, and increasing duration of marriage were also associated with sexual dysfunction (P < 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION

Screening of married women for sexual dysfunction and the risk factors revealed in the present study may permit appropriate preventive interventions.