Socioeconomic Variables Effecting Female Sexual Function in an Urban, Community Setting

Abstract

Introduction: Female sexual dysfunction is a common problem affecting 12% -63% of the population, and its relationship with demographic factors, depression, and urinary incontinence needs to be more clearly identified. Aims: To determine demographic and clinical conditions associated with female sexual dysfunction in an urban population of women seeking routine gynecologic care. Methods: A cross-sectional, IRB approved study with a convenience sample was performed of 238 sexually-active, non-pregnant women reporting to two urban gynecology clinics: a private practice (n = 168) and a publicly funded ambulatory clinic (n = 70). Main Outcome Measures: The participants completed informed consent and a demographic questionnaire, plus validated questionnaires that measured sexual function with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), depression with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and urinary incontinence with the Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID). Results: The mean FSFI score for those with public insurance and private insurance was 29.5 ± 4.2 and 27.8 ± 5.1 (OR 0.746, p = 0.0005, 95% CI 0.633, 0.881) respectively. In comparing "private" and "public" patient groups, age, weight, race, education, employment, exercise, household income, smoking, alcohol frequency, and sex frequency were all significantly different (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that female sexual dysfunction correlated with less education (OR 1.379, p = 0.0346, 95% CI 1.024, 1.858), and worsening depression identified by CES-D score (OR 1.088, p < 0.0001, 95% CI 1.043, 1.135). Conclusions: Female sexual dysfunction was associated with decreased household income, urinary incontinence, less education, and depression.

Human T-Lymphotropic Virus-1–Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis Is Associated With Sexual Dysfunction in Infected Women of Reproductive Age

“…Concerning income, herein we found that sexual dysfunction was 1.5 times more likely in women with income lower than 1 minimum wage. A large population-based study carried out in the United States indicated that stress-inducing events of a social nature can negatively affect sexual function, 33 which was similar to what was found by Neal et al 41 in 2015 in the same country. A study in Brazil found that although low-income women reported worse conditions regarding health, work, and leisure, those with higher income, who worked in a highly competitive environment and handled many family obligations, had a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction 37 .…”

Effect of Hysterectomy due to Benign Diseases on Female Sexual Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…It should be noted that all 9 studies included in the upper-middle-income subgroup were conducted in Turkey. A study in Philadelphia that examined socioeconomic variables affecting sexual function concluded that high income was associated with better sexual function in women (29). On the contrary, in a study conducted in Turkey, it was shown that there is no significant relationship between income and sexual function in women (30).…”

Cervix human papilloma virus positivity: Does it cause sexual dysfunction?

“…In this study we also used the ASEX questionnaire in order to have more accurate results. Previous studies investigated the associations between advanced age and sexual functioning and revealed similar rates of sexual problems between older women and younger women who were referred for routine gynecologic exams (29) . It has been reported that menopausal status has no negative impact on sexual functioning; however, stress, previous sexual experiences, and general health status are more important determinants of sexual health (30) .…”