Rogowska AM, Wójcik N, Janik A, Klimala P. Is There a Direct Link between Sexual Satisfaction and Restrictions during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic?
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022;
19:7769. [PMID:
35805440 PMCID:
PMC9265595 DOI:
10.3390/ijerph19137769]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Research suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions decreased sexual function and satisfaction. The present study examines the direct relationship between sexual satisfaction and restrictions during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in Poland between 3 September 2020 and 18 January 2021. A convenience sample of 1364 adults, aged 18-67 (M = 25.13, SD = 6.45), among whom 62.39% were women, and 23.17% were single, completed anonymous web-based survey. The Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ) and Stringency Index (IS) were used to assess sexual satisfaction and the level of restrictions during the pandemic, respectively. Results: No direct association was found between sexual satisfaction and the level of restrictions during the lockdown. Sexual satisfaction was significantly worse among single participants than those living in a couple. No gender differences were found in sexual satisfaction. Conclusions: Future studies should examine an indirect association between sexual satisfaction and restrictions during the pandemic via stress and anxiety. Single relationship status should be considered a risk factor for sexual satisfaction, so single individuals should be a target group for prevention programs during the pandemic.
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