Prevalence, Risk Factors and Women's Attitude towards Female Sexual Dysfunction in Upper Egypt: Hospital based study

Objective: to investigate the prevalence and possible risk factors that may cause FSD in Upper Egypt women and to study their attitude towards their sexual dysfunction. Study design: a cross sectional hospital based study setting: Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt Materials and methods: We included consecutive healthy sexually active Egyptian women aged between 18 and 55 years who had visited the hospital for routine check-up, women accompanying other patients and non medical female hospital staff. We used the Arabic version of the Female Sexual Function Index (Ar-FSFI) in the interview to evaluate the sexual functions or problems during the last month. The cut-off score used to indicate sexual dysfunction was 28.1. Results: a total of 583 healthy sexually active married females were approached, of whom 500 (85.8%) accepted to participate in the study. About 339 women (67.8%) had sexual dysfunction. The total mean FSFI score for women with sexual dysfunction was 16.73±7.50 compared to 31.31±1.43 for women without sexual dysfunction (p<0.001). FSD was significantly more common in older (p=0.000), less educated women (p=0.000), house wives (p=0.000) and women who live in rural communities (p=0.009). Logistic regression using the risk factors for the presence of FSD was performed. Age, residence, level of education, menopause, number of children, duration of marriage and the use of contraception were statistically significant risk factors that may predict the presence of FSD in participating women. Conclusions: The reported high prevalence of FSD indicates that sexual dysfunction is an important public health problem in Upper Egypt that has not been investigated. It highlights the need to establish sexual disorders clinics in our environment and to improve physicians’ awareness and competency in FSD. INTRODUCTION Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a common health concern. It is manifested by difficulties getting aroused, lubricated, or having an orgasm despite adequate stimulation[1, 2]. According to the published epidemiological studies, the prevalence of FSD is ranging from 19% to 63%, and increases up to 93% in certain age groups[38]. However, it remains a taboo subject in many countries including Egypt[9, 10]. Cultural and religious values, poor sexual education, and feelings of embarrassment reduce women's chances of getting help[11]. Female sexual function may be affected by several interpersonal, psychological, physiological, medical, social, and cultural factors[3]. Studies have shown that FSD might have a negative impact on women's sense of well