Prevalence of and risk factors for sexual dysfunction in young Chinese women according to the Female Sexual Function Index: an internet-based survey

Abstract

Objectives: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a very common sexual health problem worldwide. The prevalence of FSD in Chinese women is, however, unknown. This is the first study to investigate a large number of young women throughout China via the internet, to determine the prevalence and types of FSD and to identify the risk factors for FSD. Methods: The primary endpoint was the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score, with additional questions on contraception, sexual activity, relationship stability, pregnancy and other factors which may influence sexual function. The online questionnaire was completed by women from 31 of the 34 Chinese provinces. Results: A total of 1618 completed questionnaires were received, and 1010 were included in the analyses after screening (62.4%). The mean age of the respondents was 25.1 ± 4.5 years. The mean total FSFI score was 24.99 ± 4.60. According to FSFI definitions (cut-off score 26.55), 60.2% of women were at risk of FSD. Based on domain scores, 52 were considered at high risk of dysfunction for pain (5.1%), 35 for orgasm (3.5%), 33 for desire (3.3%), 20 for arousal (2.0%), 6 for satisfaction (0.6%) and 2 for lubrication (0.2%). Conclusions: The prevalence of FSFI scores indicating risk of sexual dysfunction was about 60% in Chinese women. An unstable relationship, pressure to become pregnant, non-use of contraception, negative self-evaluation of appearance and increasing age were significantly associated with FSD in young Chinese women.

Chinese abstract

目的：女性性功能障碍（FSD）是一个全球普遍的性健康问题。但是，FSD在中国女性中的发生率尚不清楚。本研究的目的是，在中国首次采用网络问卷法调查大样本中国年轻女性，评估FSD的发生率、发生类型及危险因素。方法：研究采用女性性功能指数（FSFI）量表，并补充附加问题，包括避孕方法、性生活主动性、伴侣关系稳定程度、妊娠史等多个性功能的潜在影响因素。网络问卷参与者来自中国34个省中的31个。结果：研究收集了1618份完整的网络随机调查问卷，经筛选，共纳入问卷1010份（62.4%）。参与者平均年龄25.1±4.5岁，平均FSFI总分为24.99±4.60分。根据FSFI的判断标准（设26.55分为截点），60.2%的女性存在FSD高风险。各维度评分显示，分别有52名（5.1%）女性表现为性交疼痛高风险，35名（3.5%）为性高潮障碍高风险，33名（3.3%）为性欲障碍高风险，20名（2.0%）为性唤起障碍高风险，6名（0.6%）为性满意障碍高风险、2名（0.2%）有阴道润滑障碍高风险。结论：研究显示中国年轻女性FSD高风险的发生率约为60%。伴侣关系不稳定、生育压力、不采取避孕措施、自我外貌评价低、年龄增长等因素与FSD高风险明显相关。

Keywords:

• China
• female sexual dysfunction
• FSFI
• prevalence
• risk factors

Acknowledgements

This study received statistical support from Xingming Li, a statistical expert at the Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Funding information

This work was supported by the following funding projects: Beijing Municipality Health Technology High-level Talent Project (2014-2-016); Project of Discipline Leader, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University (2013-1); High-end Foreign Experts Recruitment Program (GDJ20151100013); Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals Clinical Medicine Development of Special Funding Support (ZYLX201510).