Sexual dysfunction among women of low-income status in an urban setting

Objective

To determine demographic and clinical conditions associated with sexual dysfunction among women of low-income status living in an urban setting.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of 102 consecutive women attending an urban gynecology clinic. Women were given validated questionnaires to measure sexual function, depression, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction in the partner. The association of sexual dysfunction with demographic variables, depression, urinary incontinence, and sexual function in the partner was assessed by the respondent.

Results

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 37.3% (n = 38). Women with sexual dysfunction reported significantly lower scores on all subscales of sexual function compared with women without sexual dysfunction. Women with sexual dysfunction were more likely to be older (33 ± 11.2 vs 28.7 ± 8.6; P < 0.04), unemployed (68% vs 47%; P < 0.03), and report depression (OR 4.4; 95% CI, 1.7-11.3), urinary urge incontinence (OR 2.7; 95% CI, 1.2-7.3), and intake of multiple medications (OR 5.4; 95% CI, 1.6-20.1). On multivariate analysis, depression and urge urinary incontinence were independently associated with sexual dysfunction.

Conclusion

Female sexual dysfunction is associated with the presence of depression and urge urinary incontinence in women of low-income status living in an urban setting.