Sexual function and sexual quality of life in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic in Iranian couples

ABSTRACT

The present study investigated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual function and quality of life in Iranian couples. The current research is cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical. The sample consisted of 315 married couples who participated in this study. Data on couples’ SQoL were collected using the men (GRISS-M) and women (GRISS-F) version of the Golombok Rust Inventory of sexual satisfaction. The SD was obtained via the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The prevalence of SD and ED in the infected women and men was 35.93 and 21.95%, respectively. The mean SQoL and SQoL-P were for the infected men and their partners was 42.17 ± 13.78 and 50.81 ± 11.26 respectively. The mean SQoL and SQoL-P were for the infected women and their partners were 52.82 ± 12.51 and 63.17 ± 14.18 respectively. Although there was no significant difference between infected participants with and without SD in terms of mean SQoL score, it is essential that health providers do not lose sight of the imperative to provide couples with access to sexual health.

LAY SUMMARY

A cross-sectional study aimed to determine the sexual function and sexual quality of life in Iranian couples. In general, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in infected women was significantly higher than in infected men. However, the sexual quality of life in infected women and men did not differ significantly.

Keywords:

• Sexual dysfunction
• sexual quality of life
• COVID-19

Acknowledgment

Hereby, we appreciate the cooperation the University’s Research Deputy extended and thank all participants in the study who shared their experiences.

Disclosure statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zahra Bostani Khalesi

Zahra Bostani Khalesi, Ph.D. is an associated professor of reproductive health at the Department of Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti School Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran. Research interests: Sexual health, Sex Education, Reproductive health, Medical Education. E-mail: [email protected]

Moluk Pouralizadeh

Moluk Pouralizadeh, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of Nursing at the Department of Nursing, Shahid Beheshti School Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran. Research interests: Maternity and Neonatal subjects, Sex Education in pediatrics, Medical Education, Pediatrics Nursing, Mental care.

Saman Maroufizadeh

Saman Maroufizadeh, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of Biostatistics at Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran. He received his Ph.D. in Biostatistics from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. His research interests focus on dyadic data analysis, survival analysis, and meta-analysis.