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

Krista L. Neal¹, Stephanie Teng¹, Mazvita Nyamukapa¹, Victoria Greenberg¹, Alexis Braverman¹, Brett Worly^2*

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, USA.
²Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2015.54028                

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.

Keywords

Sexual Dysfunction, Socioeconomic Factors, Depression, Education, Urinary Incontinence

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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