EVALUATION OF SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN WOMEN USING THE FEMALE SEXUAL FUNCTION INDEX (FSFI)

Sexuality is considered a relevant dimension in human life related not only to reproduction but also the affection of each individual. Although sexual response is a physiological mechanism, not always men and women respond to sexual stimuli, sometimes sexual dysfunctions emerge and may influence their quality of life. Further understanding of their sexual dysfunction becomes essential in promoting a proper care and improving the quality of sexual life. The objectives of this study were to assess female sexual dysfunction by applying the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and know the context factors related to it. A transversal, descriptive and quantitative study was conducted with women attending outpatient gynecology clinics. We collected the data in a single point, applying a socioeconomic, cultural and gynecological obstetric questionnaire and the FSFI. The study women mean age was 32.29 years (± 8.59), 71% of respondents had a family income of up to US$ 7,500 annually, 78.1% had between 5 and 11 years of schooling, 67.1% were Catholic, 79.5% had first sexual intercourse before 19yo; 5.5% had a sexual abuse history; 38.4% had a stable relationship; 82.2% reported one partner and 65.8% reported sexual intercourse for up to three weeks. The values of the FSFI total scores ranged from 3.6 to 35.4 (M = 24, SD= ± 9.69). The overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 43.83%. Another important finding, albeit not statistically significant, was the negative association between the scale desire domain and participants age (r = -0.06). Only family income did not correlate with arousal, orgasm and satisfaction. Higher family income, number of sexual partners in the last three months, and frequency of sex/week relationships positively influenced the sexual response. The high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in this study justifies the relevance of the matter. The high FSFI weighted scores highlights the degree of sexual dysfunction and the risk of developing them. This study with the associated socio-cultural information and the gynecological and obstetric data with the FSFI findings may guide specialized nursing professionals towards a targeted and effective assistance.