Evaluation of sexual function and sexual quality of life in women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Turkish case

Effect of COVID-19 infection on female sexual function: A prospective controlled study

This prospective controlled study investigates the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on female sexual function, comparing recovered COVID-19-positive women with those uninfected by the virus. It aims to elucidate the broader impacts on sexual health and psychological well-being. This prospective controlled study included nonpregnant women of reproductive age and their partners, divided into COVID-19- positive (recovered) and negative groups. Data collection took place on average 6 months after COVID-19 recovery. Information was collected on the number of people exposed to COVID-19 and the severity of infection (mild, moderate or severe). Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing sexual function (female sexual function index [FSFI]), anxiety (state-trait anxiety inventory [STAI]) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory). We compared sexual function, psychological well-being and demographic characteristics between the groups using statistical analyses to identify significant differences. The study reveals significant resilience in sexual function, psychological well-being, and demographic characteristics among the participants, regardless of COVID-19 status. No marked differences were found in sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, or pain during sexual activity between the groups. Psychological assessments indicated uniform anxiety levels across both cohorts, underscoring a theme of psychological resilience. The analysis of partners' sexual function highlighted minimal indirect impacts of the pandemic on intimate relationships. Despite the extensive global health implications, this study demonstrates resilience in female sexual function and psychological health among those affected by the virus. These findings emphasize the need for ongoing research and targeted interventions to support individuals navigate the pandemic-evolving challenges, highlighting resilience and adaptability as key factors in maintaining well-being.

The effect of exposure to emotional violence on sexual function, sexual quality of life and psychological well-being in women: Structural equation modeling

Emotional violence is all of the destructive behaviors that humiliate the individual and cause him/her to feel under pressure to disrupt mental health. These destructive behaviors can affect women's sexuality. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of exposure to emotional violence on sexual function, sexual life quality, and psychological well-being in women. The study was conducted in a descriptive and relational screening model. The sample of the study consisted of 213 women. Personal information forms, the female sexual function index, the sexual quality of life questionnaire, the exposure to emotional violence scale, and the psychological well-being scale were used in the study. Structural equation modeling was used to determine the direct and indirect predictive power of the independent variable on the dependent variable. The effect of exposure to emotional violence on psychological well-being (β = -0.323; p < 0.001), and the effect of quality of sexual life on psychological well-being were statistically significant (β =0.315; p < 0.001). Moreover, the effect of exposure to emotional violence on sexual life quality was determined to be statistically significant (β = -0.665; p < 0.001). The effect of quality of sexual life on female sexual function was statistically significant (β = -0.288; p = 0.002). Furthermore, while the effect of psychological well-being on the female sexual function index was not statistically significant (β = -0.101; p = 0.266), the effect of exposure to emotional violence scale on the female sexual function index was statistically significant (β = -0.087; p = 0.373). The mediating role of exposure to emotional violence in the relationship between sexual life quality and psychological well-being was high. Furthermore, the sexual life quality of 43.6 % of women was explained by exposure to emotional violence. On the other hand, 28.7 % of psychological well-being score was explained by the sexual life quality and exposure to emotional violence.

The predictors of sexual quality of life and relationship happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic: a sample of Turkey

The purpose of this study is to examine the predictors of sexual quality of life and relationship happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample in Turkey. This study utilized a descriptive and relational screening design. It was conducted between June 2021 and November 2021 during the pandemic. The participants included 307 women who were accessed online through social networks. The linear multiple regression analysis results showed a significant relationship between changes in the family income level during the pandemic (β-coefficient -0.120; p = .006), sexual compatibility with the spouse (β-coefficient 0.541; p = .001) and experiencing problems in sexual life (β-coefficient 0.173; p = .001) and sexual quality of life. A significant relationship was found between relationship happiness and quality of the time spent with the spouse during the pandemic (β-coefficient -0.282; p = .001), sexual compatibility with the spouse (β-coefficient -0.327; p = .001) and marriage compatibility (β-coefficient -0.152; p = .019). This study found that women's sexual quality of life and relationship happiness were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, women should be provided with consultancy services through the evaluation of their sexual life and relationship happiness when their health problems are evaluated during the pandemic period.

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