Adult Sexual Outcomes of Child Sexual Abuse Vary According to Relationship Status

This study tested a moderation model in which the association between child sexual abuse severity and negative sexual outcomes (i.e., sexual avoidance and compulsivity) differed as a function of relationships status (i.e., single, cohabiting, and married individuals). A sample of 1,033 adults completed self-report questionnaires online, and 21.5% reported childhood sexual abuse. Path analyses indicated that child sexual abuse severity was associated with higher sexual compulsivity in single individuals, both higher sexual avoidance and compulsivity in cohabiting individuals, and higher sexual avoidance in married individuals. The moderation model was invariant across men and women. These results suggest that the time course of negative sexual outcomes associated with child sexual abuse may follow distinct patterns of expression according to relationship status.

Prevalence and correlates of childhood sexual abuse in adults consulting for sexual problems

The main objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse in individuals consulting for sexual therapy and to explore the association between a history of childhood sexual abuse and psychological and couple functioning. A sample of 218 adults receiving sex therapy completed questionnaires assessing depressive and anxious symptomatology, as well as dyadic adjustment. Prevalence of childhood sexual abuse was high in women (56%) and men (37%), and clients with a history of childhood sexual abuse were more likely to report psychological and relationship problems. Findings should aware clinicians of the need to assess sexual trauma and related outcomes.

Sexual function, satisfaction with life and menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women

PURPOSE

To assess sexual function, satisfaction with life (SWL), and menopause-related symptoms among mid-aged Spanish women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 260 women, aged 40-59, attending the public gynecology consultations completed the 14-item Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14), the SWL Scale (SWLS), the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), and a socio-demographic questionnaire.

RESULTS

Median [inter quartile range] age was 47 [8.0] years, 87.7% had a stable partner, 27.0% were postmenopausal, and 53.9% had increased body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 46.5% (CSFQ-14 score≤41). Postmenopausal status was associated with lower CSFQ-14 scores (worse sexual function) and severe menopausal symptoms whereas there were not significant differences in SWLS scores. CSFQ-14 scores correlated with SWLS (p<0.04), and inversely correlated with menopausal symptoms (p<0.02). Multiple linear regression analysis model predicted 26.6% of the total CSFQ-14 score variance, and higher scores (better sexual function) were correlated with better SWL, and inversely correlated to female age and worse menopausal symptoms. A second model predicted 38.4% of the SWLS score variance. The SWLS score correlated with the total CSFQ-14 score and BMI, and inversely correlated with economical problems, female tobacco use, lack of healthiness, menopausal symptoms, not having a partner, and partner's lack of healthiness.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower sexual function was related to low SWL, age and menopausal symptoms while low SWLS score was related with economical problems, smoking, menopausal symptoms, and partner factors.

Study of the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in sexually active women 18 to 40 years of age in Medellín, Colombia

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Colombia has not been adequately studied. A reliable estimate of the prevalence of FSD can be helpful for the adequate planning of reproductive health and research activities.

AIM

Measure the prevalence of female sexual complaints in a sample of sexually active women aged 18-40 years in a city of Colombia.

METHODS

A self-administered validated questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), was administered to 410 sexually active women at different focal groups. A cutoff value of 26.5 was used to define female sexual complaint. Ten questions on age, educational level, socioeconomic status, marital status, cohabitation, depressive feelings, use of antidepressive drugs, menstrual cycle, offspring, and contraception were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary end point was the percentage of women having a score equal or less than 26.5.

RESULTS

In the study group, 117 of 391 women scored less than 26.5 for a prevalence of sexual complaints of 30%. The independent variables associated with sexual complaints were low educational level, the feelings of depression, and the use of antidepressive drugs.

CONCLUSION

The present study found a low FSFI score in 30% of sexually active women aged 18-40 years in the city of Medellin, Colombia, which could be indicative of sexual complaints.