Relationship between General Health Indices and Sexual Dysfunction in Women Experiencing Spousal Abuse

BACKGROUND: Sexual behavior is among the complex dimensions of humans. Various factors are effective in sexual function. Sexual dysfunction affects people's mental health.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to determine the relationship between general health indices and sexual dysfunction among the women referring to Shiraz Forensic Medicine Center, Iran.

METHODS: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 197 women experiencing spousal abuse who had referred to Shiraz Forensic Medicine Center in 2014. The data were collected using demographic information questionnaire, a questionnaire assessing violence against women, general health questionnaire (GHQ-28), and female sexual function index (FSFI). The data were entered into SPSS statistical software and analyzed using t-test, Chi-square test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and regression analysis.

RESULTS: Based on the results, 91.9% of the participants had sexual dysfunction and 85.3% had mental disorders. Besides, a significant relationship was found between sexual dysfunction and somatic symptoms (P=0.027), anxiety and insomnia (P=0.004), as well as overall general health (P=0.041). Also, the results of Pearson's correlation test revealed significant associations between various dimensions of sexual dysfunction and general health.

CONCLUSION: According to the results, physical and mental health seems to play a critical role in determining sexual dysfunction. Thus, the identification and treatment of physical and mental disorders are recommended for the patients suffering from sexual dysfunction.