Prevalence and Sociodemographic Predictors of Sexual Problems in Portugal: A Population-Based Study With Women Aged 18 to 79 Years

Abstract

Studies on epidemiology of female sexual problems consistently indicate high prevalence rates worldwide, suggesting that this clinical presentation should be considered as a public health concern. However, there are no published studies on prevalence of sexual problems in Portugal. The present study investigated the prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of female sexual problems in a Portuguese community sample. In addition, the authors assessed the role of sociodemographic predictors of women's sexual difficulties. The authors recruited 500 women using quota methods to resemble the Portuguese population according to its demographic characteristics. Participants answered to the Female Sexual Function Index and to a sociodemographic questionnaire. Findings indicated that 37.9% of the Portuguese women reported symptoms of sexual problems. Symptoms of lack of sexual desire was the most frequent sexual difficulty with 25.4% of the women reporting low desire most times or always, followed by symptoms of orgasmic (16.8%), sexual arousal (15.1%), and lubrication difficulties (12.9%), dyspareunia (9.8%), and vaginismus (6.6%). Results indicated that age was a significant predictor of female sexual problems. Results also indicated that symptoms of female sexual problems are a significant health concern in Portugal, suggesting that public policies should be developed to promote sexual health.

Notes

According to the National Institute of Statistics, the distribution of women according to age was as follows: 18 to 24 years: 10.5%; 25 to 34 years: 20.9%; 35 to 44 years: 20.2%; 45 to 54 years: 18.2%; 55 to 64 years: 15.2%; 65 to 79 years: 15%. In addition, 58% of women had 0 to 9 years of education; 20% had 10 to 12 years of education, and 22% had 13 or more years of education.