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Falgares G, Costanzo G, Fontanesi L, Verrocchio MC, Bin F, Marchetti D. The role of sexual communication in the relationship between emotion regulation and sexual functioning in women: The impact of age and relationship status. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2024; 24:100482. [PMID: 39071855 PMCID: PMC11277745 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2024.100482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate sexual communication as a mechanism involved in the link between emotion regulation and sexual functioning in a sample of adult women, also testing the moderating role of relationship status and age in this association. Method 1344 sexually active cisgender women (aged 18-57, M = 27.34; SD= 6.484) were recruited from March 30, 2021, to April 12, 2021, through an online survey. From the initial sample, 1280 women were retained and included in the analysis. Participants were asked to respond to three self-report questionnaires: the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Communication subscale of the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results We found that sexual communication mediated the link between emotion regulation abilities and female sexual functioning. Moreover, we found that age, but not relationship status, moderated the association between emotion regulation and sexual communication, so that older women with difficulties in emotion regulation processes showed worse sexual communication abilities as compared to younger women. Conclusions According to this study's results, clinicians and sexual therapists should carefully consider emotion regulation abilities and sexual communication as crucial factors in promoting women's sexual well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Falgares
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Costanzo
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lilybeth Fontanesi
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Verrocchio
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Franco Bin
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Marchetti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Mundhra R, Bahadur A, Khoiwal K, Kumar M, Chhetri SS, Chaturvedi J. Female sexuality across the menopausal age group: A cross sectional study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X 2024; 21:100287. [PMID: 38419651 PMCID: PMC10900532 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2024.100287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is an important health issue and its relationship with menopausal symptoms needs special attention. Objective To identify the frequency of FSD in middle aged women and assess its relationship with obesity and menopausal symptoms. Methods This was a cross sectional study performed at a tertiary care centre in North India over a period of one year from June 2022 to May 2023. Sexually active women aged 40-55 years were included in the study sample. Exclusion criteria included those not willing to participate, having pregnancy, malignancy, mental illness or history of pelvic surgery. Baseline demographic and anthropometric details were noted. Sexual function and menopausal symptoms were assessed using Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and Female Sexual Function Index Scale (FSFI) questionnaire respectively. Results Among one hundred and forty three sexually active middle aged women, 43 women had FSD (30.06%). FSD was observed in 9.09%, 22.73% and 45.45% in- 40-45 years, 46-50 years and 51-55 years respectively. No significant difference was seen in desire (p value=0.281), arousal (p value=0.424), lubrication (p value=0.143), orgasm (p value=0.637), satisfaction (p value=0.675), pain (p value=0.833), total score (p value=0.601) between body mass index (kg/m²). A significant strong negative correlation of somatic, urogenital, psychological and total MRS scores with female sexuality domains was observed excepting non-significant mild negative correlation between somatic with pain and psychological with orgasm and pain. Conclusion Female sexual dysfunction are quite common and has negative correlation with menopausal symptoms. Health care providers need to focus on this issue as part of their routine assessment for better quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajlaxmi Mundhra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India
| | - Anupama Bahadur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India
| | - Kavita Khoiwal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India
| | - Shivani Singh Chhetri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India
| | - Jaya Chaturvedi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India
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Asadi M, Riazi H, Abbasinazari M, Majd HA, Montazeri A. Effect of folic acid on the sexual function of postmenopausal women: a triple-blind randomized controlled trial. J Sex Med 2023; 20:1180-1187. [PMID: 37409627 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are reports of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women, and several treatment recommendations are available. AIM To investigate the effect of folic acid on postmenopausal women's sexual function. METHODS This triple-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in Tehran, Iran, in 2020. A sample of 100 postmenopausal women was recruited from comprehensive health centers affiliated with the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Eligible women were randomly assigned to receive folic acid (5 mg) or placebo on an empty stomach every day for 8 weeks. Women were assessed at 3 time points: baseline and 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention. OUTCOME Sexual function was the main outcome, as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index. RESULTS The mean ± SD age of participants in the folic acid and placebo groups was 53.2 ± 3.84 and 54.4 ± 4.05 years, respectively (P = .609). The results obtained from mixed effects analysis of variance revealed a statistically significant difference between baseline and posttreatment scores and the interaction between time and group for desire, orgasm, satisfaction, arousal, pain, and total sexual function score, with the folic acid group improving more than control group. Lubrication was the only domain that showed no significant difference for the interaction between time and group. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Folic acid may beneficially affect sexual function in postmenopausal women. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Strengths include the novelty of the subject, the triple-blind design, the block randomization, the administration of a standard scale for sexual function (Female Sexual Function Index), and the affordability and availability of folic acid. This study was conducted with a small sample size and short follow-up time; therefore, interpretation of the results requires great caution. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that folic acid possibly improves sexual function in postmenopausal women. Larger studies are needed to confirm the findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION IRCT20150128020854N8; August 2, 2020. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials; https://en.irct.ir/user/trial/48920/view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Asadi
- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1996835119, Iran
| | - Hedyeh Riazi
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1996835119, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abbasinazari
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1996835119, Iran
| | - Hamid Alavi Majd
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1996835119, Iran
| | - Ali Montazeri
- Population Health Research Group, Health Metrics Research Center, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran 13165-1488, Iran
- Faculty of Humanity Sciences, University of Science and Culture, Tehran 13145-1756, Iran
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Dehghan M, Isari Z, Abbaszadeh MH, Shafiee Babaei SA, Kamali Narab Z, Malakoutikhah A, Ghonchehpour A. Postmenopausal women's usage of complementary and alternative medicine and its relationship to sexual function: A cross-sectional study in southeastern Iran. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1470. [PMID: 37564395 PMCID: PMC10411498 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common problems in postmenopausal women that affect their lives. Due to the widespread disadvantages and age limit of drug and hormone therapy, the demand for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods has increased. Methods This was a descriptive-analytical study. A total of 297 postmenopausal women who were referred to health centers in Kerman, southeastern Iran, were selected during the years 2020-2021. The use of CAM and sexual function were examined by Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index, respectively. Data were collected through a combination of face-to-face and online forms. Results More than half of the participants used at least one type of CAM in the preceding year for any general reason. The mean satisfaction score for CAM use was 21.7 ± 5.84; Most reasons of use were for improving quality of life, improving physical function, reducing sleep disorders, improving mood status, reducing vasomotor symptom, and improving sexual function, respectively. Most reasons of use were related to sexual dysfunction. Specifically, the mean score for sexual function was 17.96 ± 7.50 which was lower than the scale's midpoint of 28. According to different subscales of sexual function, 52.9% of participants had good desire, 49.5% good arousal, 34.7% good lubrication, 56.9% good orgasm, and 2% had no pain, and 52.5% were satisfied with their sexual function. There were no significant differences between CAM users and nonusers about sexual functions and all its subscales. Conclusion There were no significant differences between CAM users and nonusers about sexual functions and all its domains. Further research in different communities with different health systems is recommended to investigate the relationship between CAM and sexual function among postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahlagha Dehghan
- Department of Critical Care Nursing, Nursing Research Center, Razi Faculty of Nursing and MidwiferyKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Zahra Isari
- Nursing Research Center, Razi Faculty of Nursing and MidwiferyKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Abbaszadeh
- Nursing Research Center, Razi Faculty of Nursing and MidwiferyKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | | | - Zahra Kamali Narab
- Nursing Research Center, Razi Faculty of Nursing and MidwiferyKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Alireza Malakoutikhah
- Student Research Committee, Razi Faculty of Nursing and MidwiferyKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
| | - Asma Ghonchehpour
- Nursing Research Center, Razi Faculty of Nursing & MidwiferyKerman University of Medical SciencesKermanIran
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Mundhra R, Kumari P, Bahadur A, Khoiwal K, Naithani M. Metabolic Syndrome and Its Association with Menopausal Symptoms among Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-sectional Study. J Midlife Health 2023; 14:212-217. [PMID: 38312771 PMCID: PMC10836440 DOI: 10.4103/jmh.jmh_128_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background With increase in postmenopausal population, screening for MetS and its relationship with menopausal symptoms needs evaluation. Objective To identify the frequency of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and assess its relationship with menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. Methods This was a cross sectional study performed at a tertiary care centre in Uttarakhand India over a period of 18 months. All postmenopausal women >40 years with natural menopause included in the study sample. We used the Consensus Definition IDF and AHA/NHLBI (2009) criteria to classify subjects as having metabolic syndrome. Menopausal symptoms were assessed using Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) questionnaire. Results The frequency of metabolic syndrome in our study was 34.38% (55 out of 160 patients). We observed sleeping problems (36.88%) followed by physical & mental exhaustion (33.75%) and hot flushes (33.13%) to be the commonest menopausal symptoms. Significant association was seen for MRS along with its subscales in women with metabolic syndrome (P value <.05). Significant positive correlation was observed between total Menopause rating scale scores as well as all three subscales for triglycerides in patients with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion Hyper triglyceridemia was associated with severe menopausal symptoms among postmenopausal women with MetS in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajlaxmi Mundhra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Purvashi Kumari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Anupama Bahadur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kavita Khoiwal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Manisha Naithani
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
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Espírito Santo J, Marques de Loureiro NE, Brandão-Loureiro V, Aibar-Almazán A, Hita-Contreras F. Psychometric properties and validity of the Menopause Rating Scale in postmenopausal Portuguese women. Menopause 2023; 30:179-185. [PMID: 36696642 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to analyze the reliability and validity of the Portuguese version of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) among postmenopausal Portuguese women. METHODS A total of 184 postmenopausal women completed the Portuguese MRS. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were studied. Construct, convergent, and concurrent validity were assessed. The 10-item Cervantes Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used to determine convergent and concurrent validity, respectively. The ability and accuracy of the Portuguese MRS to discriminate between women with and without anxiety and depression cases were evaluated, and a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used. RESULTS The Portuguese MRS showed an appropriate level of internal consistency (Cronbach α, 0.84 for MRS total score) and test-retest reliability (MRS total score; intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.85-0.96). Factor analysis (construct validity) revealed a 3-factor structure (explained variance of 62.08%). The MRS total score and its 3 factors showed good convergent (10-item Cervantes Scale) and concurrent (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety and depression) validity (all P < 0.001). The Portuguese MRS total score was significantly able to discriminate between postmenopausal women with and without anxiety (P < 0.001) and depression (P = 0.001), with a cutoff point of 15.50 (80.00% sensitivity and 63.70% specificity) for detecting depression and a cutoff point of 16.50 (82.35% sensitivity and 78.57% specificity) for identifying anxiety. CONCLUSIONS The Portuguese MRS has been shown to be a valid and reliable questionnaire for assessing the severity of menopausal symptoms and discriminating among postmenopausal women with and without anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vânia Brandão-Loureiro
- Instituto Polytechnique de Beja, Escola Superior de Educação, Projeto Up Again Senior, Beja, Portugal
| | - Agustín Aibar-Almazán
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - Fidel Hita-Contreras
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
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Amin MA, Mozid NE, Ahmed SB, Sharmin S, Monju IH, Jhumur SS, Sarker W, Dalal K, Hawlader MDH. Status of female sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women in Bangladesh. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:401. [PMID: 36195886 PMCID: PMC9533598 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01991-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women's sexual health and physical desire for sex are most important for their emotional and physical well-being. This study aimed to examine the status of sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women in Bangladesh and assess the significant risk factors behind this. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 45-55 years in four public and private hospitals in Bangladesh from April 2021 to June 2021 using a multi-stage sampling technique to enroll the study participants. The female sexual function index (FSFI) scale measured the prevalence of FSD, and the relationship of independent risk factors were assessed using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS The total score of FSFI among postmenopausal Bangladeshi women was 18.07 ± 8.51. Among 260 participants, the prevalence of FSD was 56.9%. Out of all the significant risk factors, increasing age, urban population group, multiparous, homemakers, duration of menopause, and postmenopausal women with no hormone therapy were significantly associated with FSD. In contrast, those with regular physical activity were protective of FSD. CONCLUSION In conclusion, a significant proportion of postmenopausal Bangladeshi women are enduring sexual dysfunction. Proper hormonal therapy and non-hormonal therapies such as physical activity and pelvic floor muscle (Kegel) exercise with adequate counseling are helpful to cope in this distressing situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ashraful Amin
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
| | - Nusrat-E Mozid
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh ,Public Health Professional Developmental Society (PPDS), Dhaka, 1205 Bangladesh
| | - Sanjana Binte Ahmed
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
| | - Shakila Sharmin
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
| | - Imran Hossain Monju
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
| | - Shirin Shahadat Jhumur
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
| | - Wharesha Sarker
- grid.443020.10000 0001 2295 3329Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229 Bangladesh
| | - Koustuv Dalal
- grid.29050.3e0000 0001 1530 0805Division of Public Health Science, Institution for Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Sundsvall, Sweden
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Kulahci Aslan E, Aslan K, Gurluler J, Uyaniklar O, Kilik T, Turk P, Ozden O, Kasapoglu I, Uncu G. EROSS study: effect of ovarian reserve on sexual satisfaction. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:3055-3060. [PMID: 35666951 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2081798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04776902 Clinical Trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Kulahci Aslan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa Ceylan International Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Kiper Aslan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ART Center, Bursa Uludag University School of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Jale Gurluler
- Bursa Umi Plaza, Obstetrics and Gynecology Private Center, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Uyaniklar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa City Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Tugba Kilik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medipol University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pınar Turk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medicana Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Okan Ozden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medicana Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Isil Kasapoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ART Center, Bursa Uludag University School of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gurkan Uncu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ART Center, Bursa Uludag University School of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
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Okhai H, Sabin C, Haag K, Sherr L, Dhairyawan R, Shephard J, Richard G, Burns F, Post F, Jones R, Gilleece Y, Tariq S. The Prevalence and Patterns of Menopausal Symptoms in Women Living with HIV. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3679-3687. [PMID: 35604509 PMCID: PMC9550775 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03696-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Increasing numbers of women with HIV are experiencing menopause. We use data from a large, representative sample of women with HIV to describe the prevalence and clustering of menopausal symptoms amongst pre-, peri- and post-menopausal women using hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis. Of the 709 women included, 21.6%, 44.9% and 33.6% were pre-, peri- and post-menopausal, respectively. Joint pain (66.4%) was the most commonly reported symptom, followed by hot flashes (63.0%), exhaustion (61.6%) and sleep problems (61.4%). All symptoms were reported more commonly by peri- and post-menopausal women compared to pre-menopausal women. Psychological symptoms and sleep problems clustered together at all menopausal stages. Somatic and urogenital symptom clusters emerged more distinctly at peri- and post-menopause. We recommend regular and proactive assessment of menopausal symptoms in midlife women with HIV, with an awareness of how particular patterns of symptoms may evolve over the menopausal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Okhai
- Institute for Global health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - C Sabin
- Institute for Global health, University College London, London, UK
| | - K Haag
- Institute for Global health, University College London, London, UK
| | - L Sherr
- Institute for Global health, University College London, London, UK
| | - R Dhairyawan
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - G Richard
- Institute for Global health, University College London, London, UK
| | - F Burns
- Institute for Global health, University College London, London, UK
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - F Post
- Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - R Jones
- Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Y Gilleece
- Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - S Tariq
- Institute for Global health, University College London, London, UK
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The association between sexual function and body image among postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study. BMC Womens Health 2021; 21:403. [PMID: 34876095 PMCID: PMC8650325 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01549-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postmenopause physiological changes may alter body image (BI) during the postmenopausal period of life. Body image dissatisfaction may have negative effects on the sexual function of women. The present study aims to assess the relationship between body image and sexual function during the postmenopausal period. METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed on 231 postmenopausal women who were menopausal during the recent 5 years, aged > 40 years old, and referring to health centers in Tehran-Iran. The participants were recruited using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected using 3 questionnaires including socio-demographic, Fisher's Body Image, and female sexual function index (FSFI). Data were analyzed using SPSS 24 and multiple regression, Mann-Whitey, Pearson, and Spearman correlation tests. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-one postmenopausal women aged 52.53 ± 5.32 (mean ± SD) years old participated in the study. The mean and standard deviation of FSFI and BI of the women were respectively 19.59 ± 11.11(ranges 1.2-36) and 155.43 ± 37.09 (ranges from 46 to 230). According to FSFI, 62.8% of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was reported. There were significant correlations between scores of total and all domains of FSFI with scores of total and all dimensions of BI. There was also a positive correlation between education and family income of the women and a negative correlation between age of husband and duration of menopause with their sexual function. Significant relationships were also shown between the women's and the husbands' jobs with the total score of women's sexual function. According to the multiple linear regression model, BI was a significant predictor of sexual function in postmenopausal women. CONCLUSION Body image is effective on the sexual function of postmenopausal women. Therefore, body image is necessary to be considered in future postmenopausal health promotion programs.
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Ak Sözer G, Güdül Öz H, Yangın H. Relationship between menopausal symptoms and perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Women Aging 2021; 34:675-686. [PMID: 34661513 DOI: 10.1080/08952841.2021.1985374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the relationship between menopausal symptoms and perceived stress in middle-aged women during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected online from 239 middle-aged women using the Personal Information Form, Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14). A positive correlation was found between the total MRS score and the total PSS-14 score. The COVID-19 pandemic usually restrict access to healthcare visit. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an urgent need to implement specific menopausal programs to promote the psychological health of middle-aged women and reduce stress during this or similar crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülşen Ak Sözer
- Department of Maternity and Gynecological Nursing, Akdeniz University Nursing Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Hatice Güdül Öz
- Department of Maternity and Gynecological Nursing, Akdeniz University Nursing Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Hatice Yangın
- Department of Maternity and Gynecological Nursing, Akdeniz University Nursing Faculty, Antalya, Turkey
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Decreased Sexual Desire among Middle-Aged and Old Women in China and Factors Influencing It: A Questionnaire-Based Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6649242. [PMID: 34122604 PMCID: PMC8169273 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6649242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective This survey was designed and conducted with an aim to present data on sexual desire and activity in Chinese women. Methods Between October 2013 and December 2013, we surveyed 3000 women (aged 40–65 years) at Beijing No. 2 Hospital and the Yuetan Community Health Service Center using a questionnaire. The primary outcomes included determination of sexual desire in the past 4 weeks, reasons for stopping sexual activity, and postmenopausal syndrome. The secondary outcome was determination of factors for low sexual desire. Results A total of 2400 women (mean age 54.33 ± 6.25 years; mean menopausal age 50.11 ± 3.31 years) returned the questionnaire, with 58% of women reporting lowered sexual desire and 39.3% reporting stoppage of sexual activity. Compared with the postmenopausal group, the incidence of anxiety, depressive, somatic, and vasomotor symptoms was higher in the perimenopausal group. Muscle and joint pain (45.8%) and vaginal pruritus (21.5%) were the most commonly reported menopausal and vulvovaginal symptoms, respectively. The odds of decrease in sexual desire were significantly higher with older age, menopause, presence of gynecological disease, menopausal depression symptoms, menopausal vasomotor symptoms, and vulvovaginal atrophy; only cesarean delivery (odds ratio = 0.887, P=0.018) was associated with lesser reduction in sexual desire compared with the aforementioned factors. Conclusion This survey showed that a high proportion of Chinese middle-aged and old women have lowered sexual desire and activity. Lack of sexual desire is associated with multiple factors and affects the quality of life of women.
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