Prevalence of sexual dysfunction among females in a university community in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Female sexual dysfunction is a common, condition that significantly reduces the quality‑of‑life of the affected persons. Unfortunately, because of the veil of secrecy that shrouds discussions on human sexuality, there has been limited research on this topic in some sociocultural settings.
Aim: The aim was to determine the prevalence and some sociodemographic factors associated with sexual dysfunction in females in a university community at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Subjects and Methods: This is a cross‑sectional study involving 500 females recruited randomly in a tertiary institution in Nigeria. A self‑administered structured pretested questionnaire on sexual activity was administered (the Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software package (Version 17.0, Chicago, IL, USA). Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the sociodemographic factors, and the total FSFI scores dichotomized as normal and reduced sexual function. In addition, multiple linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the six different domains scores and the continuous values of the total score. For all, calculations, P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant at 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results: The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSFI score ≤ 26.50) was 53.3%. The highest prevalence occurred in the 41-50 years age group (73.3%; 66/90), married and living together 56.4% (123/218) and had postsecondary education (56.1%; 137/244). Only age significantly predicted female sexual function (P = 0.007; 95% CI; 0.691–0.943). Marital status, religion, ethnic group, and educational qualification had no significant effect (P < 0.05). The total FSFI significantly increase as desire increases (P = 0.002; 95% CI = 0.817–3.573).
Conclusion: Female sexual dysfunction is common in the university environment, with the highest prevalence occurring in 41-50 years age group.

Key words: Hypoactive, Nigeria, sexual dysfunction, university community