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. 2023 Oct 18;23(1):2029.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-16938-4.

Sexual dysfunction and its associated factors among reproductive-age women at Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2023

Fentahun Tamene Zeleke  1 , Semer Ezedin  2 , Fentahun Aleminew  3 , Kassa Genetu Alem  4 , Daniel Tsega Tefera  5 , Mebratu Demissie  5 , Gudeta Beriso Jima  5 , Fikremariam Endeshaw  5 , Aynalem Belay  5 , Alemitu Ayele  6 , Demeke Andebet  7 , Ambaye Minayehu Zegeye  8
Affiliations

Sexual dysfunction and its associated factors among reproductive-age women at Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2023

Fentahun Tamene Zeleke et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Introduction: Female sexual dysfunction is commonly neglected, under-investigated, and under-treated in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and its associated factors of female sexual dysfunction among reproductive-aged women at Gurage zone hospitals, in southern Ethiopia.

Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 reproductive-age group women. A systematic random sampling method was employed and structured questionnaires were used to collect the data through a face-to-face interview. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed by SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics, and bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression were conducted. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05.

Result: Four hundred two participants completed the interview with a response rate of 94.8%. Arousal dysfunction 91.0% and pain during sexual intercourse 39.3% were the most and the least prevalent domains of female sexual dysfunction respectively. Overall 32.1% of the respondents had female sexual dysfunction. Body mass index (AOR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 10.8), history of pelvic surgery (AOR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 9.2), marriage satisfaction (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.4, 1o.6), a satisfaction of spouses' sex ability (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.2, 8.5), breastfeeding (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.6, 7.0), and mode of delivery [vaginal delivery with tear and episiotomy (AOR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.6, 8.8), instrument assisted vaginal delivery (AOR = 7.0; 95% CI: 1.2, 39.8)], were statistically associated with female sexual dysfunction. All-encompassing professional counseling addressing psychological and interpersonal acts and weight management interventions are needed for couples to maintain sexual functioning.

Keywords: Ethiopia; Female sexual dysfunction; Gurage zone; Reproductive age women.

Plain language summary

Four hundred two participants completed the interview making the response rate 94.8%. About 247 (61.4%) respondents were under the age of 30 with a mean age of 28.14 ± 6.33 years. Arousal dysfunction was the most prevalent 366 (91.0%) domain of female sexual dysfunction while pain during sexual intercourse 158 (39.3%) was the least reported domain of female sexual dysfunction. Overall, in this study about 129 (32.1%) of the respondents had female sexual dysfunction. Body mass index, history of pelvic surgery, marriage satisfaction, satisfaction of spouses’ sex ability, breastfeeding7, and mode of delivery were statistically associated factors with female sexual dysfunction in multivariable analysis. All-encompassing professional counseling that addresses psychological and interpersonal acts and the importance of weight management interventions is needed for couples to maintain sexual functioning.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest concerning the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Proportional allocation and sampling procedure
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Marital and sexual status of reproductive-age women in Gurage zone, southern Ethiopia from 09 January 2023 to 10 March 2023 (N = 402)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Prevalence of sexual dysfunction among reproductive-age women in Gurage zone, southern Ethiopia from 09 January 2023 to 10 March 2023 (N = 402)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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