Evaluation of sexual dysfunction in Parkinson's disease between two different regions of Turkey

Sexual dysfunction among patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In the current study, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the role of PD as a potential risk factor for SD in both genders.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. All observational studies comparing the prevalence of SD in PD with the general population were included.

RESULTS

After screening 22 studies were included in our qualitative and statistical analysis. We included 13 studies that reported odds ratio (OR) and found a significant association between PD and SD (pooled OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 2.19-5.58). Five studies included only male patients and reported an OR of 3.34 (95% CI = 1.34-8.35; heterogeneity I2 = 81%, Tau2 = 0.79, p < 0.00), while seven studies included both sexes and reported an OR of 3.55 (95% CI = 1.89-6.66; heterogeneity I2 = 78%, Tau2 = 0.53, p < 0.00).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our study suggests a strong association between PD and SD in both men and women. Our analysis of 22 observational studies reveals that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction is significantly higher in patients with PD compared to the general population. These findings highlight the importance of addressing SD as part of the comprehensive management of patients with PD.

Sexual Dysfunction and Related Factors in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

The current cross-sectional study investigated sexual dysfunction and related factors in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The sample comprised 76 patients with PD in the neurology clinic of a training and research hospital. Data were collected using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale. Approximately nine (88.2%) in 10 participants had sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction depended on sex, educational background, employment status, side effects, body image, difficulty falling asleep, self-care, and walking dependence. Sexual dysfunction was positively correlated with age and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Sexual dysfunction was more prevalent in females than males. Advanced age and high risk of depression resulted in increased prevalence of sexual dysfunction. Health care professionals should evaluate the causes of sexual dysfunction and plan and implement appropriate interventions for patients with PD. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(3), 45-55.].

Sexual Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review of the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale Sexual Dysfunction in Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review of the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale

OBJECTIVE

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects older individuals and can cause sexual dysfunction (SD). SD is a determinant of general well-being; but is infrequently assessed in professionally. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) measures SD; unlike other scales, it is minimally invasive and requires little time to complete. This review aimed to assess the prevalence of SD in patients with PD using ASEX.

METHODS

Were searched the keywords, "sexual dysfunction," "Parkinson's disease" and "ASEX" in 9 databases.

RESULTS

The prevalence of SD ranged from 65%-90%. SD was associated with older age at disease onset, higher Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale scores, age and depression (p ranged from .001 to <.05). The most observed SD was erectile dysfunction in men.

CONCLUSION

SD is common among patients with PD. ASEX, although not specific to PD, is an easy and quickly applied tool that can help evaluate SD and guide treatments in PD.

Sexual Dysfunction Among Egyptian Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease Patients

BACKGROUND

One of the non-motor features of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) is sexual dysfunction (SD) which is under-recognized and, consequently, undertreated. This study aimed to evaluate SD in patients with IPD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was conducted on 67 IPD patients; 30 healthy subjects with age and gender matching with the patients served as the control group. All participants were subjected to sexual function assessment using the Arabic version of Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), while the severity of IPD was assessed using the modified Hoehn and Yahr scoring scale and MDS-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS).

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between patients with IPD and the control group regarding MMSE, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia. However, BDI scores were significantly higher in patients with IPD. The rate of SD among our patients was 64% compared to 30% in the control group. The total score and subscales of ASEX were significantly higher in IPD patients than in controls. SD showed a significant correlation with the severity of the IPD irrespective of other variables, including patient age, sex, disease duration, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and dose of L-dopa.

CONCLUSION

SD is a commonly underrated feature in patients with IPD; it should be investigated carefully as it is an important non-motor symptom that correlates with disease severity.

Scales and assessments of sexual dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is a very frequent non-motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, patients are often reluctant to declare their sexual problems and many clinicians do not inquire about them during routine visits. The use of validated rating scales and questionnaires allows overcoming these difficulties, characterizing the nature and causes of the patient's sexual dysfunction, and helping to implement and monitor the most adequate interventions. There is a wide range of instruments available for assessing sexual dysfunction in PD, including generic and specific ones. In this chapter, we review the most used rating scales and questionnaires, with a description of its components, characteristics and psychometric attributes.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Arizona Sexual Scale (ASEX) into Portuguese

INTRODUCTION

Sexual dysfunction is common in individuals with psychiatric disorders and under psychotropic medication such as antidepressants and antipsychotics. Several scales have been developed to assess sexual function in these patients. The Arizona Sexual Scale (ASEX) is a five-item rating scale that quantifies sex drive, arousal, vaginal lubrication/penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm. We describe the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the ASEX into the Portuguese language, with the goal of contributing to the assessment of sexual function in Portuguese-speaking psychiatric patients under treatment with psychotropic drugs.

METHODS

The translation and cross-cultural adaptation process thoroughly followed the steps recommended by the Task Force of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR), namely: preparation, forward translation, reconciliation, back-translation, back-translation review, harmonization, cognitive debriefing, review of cognitive debriefing, finalization, proofreading, and final version.

RESULTS

The process was successfully completed and no major differences were found between the translation, reconciliation and back-translation phases, with only small adjustments being made.

CONCLUSION

The translation of the ASEX was completed successfully, following international reference guidelines. The use of these guidelines is a guarantee of a Portuguese version that is qualitatively and semantically equivalent to the original scale. This availability of this new scale version will enable studies evaluating the sexual function of Portuguese-speaking psychiatric patients. Future studies may assess the validity of the scale for Portuguese-speaking populations.