Unveiling the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic: Sexual Function and Satisfaction Dynamics of Married Women in West of Iran

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a threat to global public health. The sexual function and satisfaction of couples during the COVID-19 pandemic have received comparatively less attention. This study aimed to assess sexual satisfaction and sexual function and their related factors among married women in the west of Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 married women in Kermanshah province in 2021. For data collection, a checklist consisting of demographic variables along with Larson’s sexual satisfaction questionnaire and the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index were utilized. To investigate the relationship between function and sexual satisfaction, we used a hierarchical linear regression. Results: The means (SD) of sexual satisfaction and sexual function scores were 83.25 (40.59) and 19.33 (9.82), respectively. A significant relationship was observed between sexual satisfaction and the women’s occupation status, traditional marriage status, tubal ligation, a history of chronic diseases, alcohol use, the history of sexual violence, changes in sexual behavior during COVID-19, and total sexual function score. Also, the women’s age, male condom use, oral contraceptive pill use, changes in sexual behavior during COVID-19, and total sexual satisfaction score associated with the sexual function of women. Conclusion: These findings showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, married women reported moderate sexual satisfaction and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, the results of this study could help to develop a plan to improve the sexual lives and health of women in sudden events. © Journal of Health Sciences and Surveillance System.