Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Sexuality in a Developing Country Setting: A Case‑Control Study in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to identify the unmet sexual health needs of the patients with diabetes seen in a tertiary healthcare facility in Nigeria. Methods: Case‑control study design and random sampling method were utilized to recruit type 2 diabetic cases from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Nigeria. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) were used to assess sexual function. Result: There were 330 subjects with the mean age of 54.9 years. Among females, the FSFI score was lower among cases compared with controls (18.8 vs. 23.1, P < 0.05). Except for sexual interest, mean scores for all other domains of sexual function were also lower among cases (P < 0.05). Among males, there was no significant difference in overall mean IIEF score comparing cases and controls (40.0 vs. 41.7, P > 0.05). However, mean scores for desire and satisfaction was lower among cases compared with controls (P < 0.05). Older age, unmarried status, presence and duration of hypertension were associated with sexual dysfunction among females. The use of supplements was associated with sexual dysfunction among males (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is common among diabetics with variation in affected domains in both genders in the study setting. These unmet sexual health needs focus to be addressed.