Sexual Satisfaction and Its Associated Factors among Married Women in Northern Ethiopia

The Frequency and Predictors of Sexual Dysfunction Among People Living with HIV/AIDS

Background

The frequency of sexual dysfunctions reported by HIV/AIDS patients is significantly higher than that of their peers. Sexual dysfunction and its predictors may result in increased viral loads, worsening HIV infection, and infectivity. To mitigate its consequences, appropriate evaluation and intervention are required.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was conducted among 336 HIV/AIDS-positive individuals at one hospital in southwest Ethiopia. To assess sexual dysfunctions, a tool called the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14) was used. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify independent predictor variables, and statistical significance was declared at a p-value of <0.05.

Results

98.53% of the sample completed the questionnaire accordingly. The frequency of SD was 72.0% (95% CI = 67.4-77.0). The frequency of SD was reported to be more prevalent among males (76.8% (95% CI = 70.6-81.6)) than that of females (66.2% (95% CI = 59.5-73.5)). Among the domains of sexual dysfunction, sexual pleasure problems (96.70%, (95% CI: 94.60-98.50)) were the higher figure of SD, and sexual desire problems (82.40%, (95% CI: 78.60-86.60)); were the least prevalent sexual dysfunctions. Predictors of the SD were age, social anxiety, nicotine use, poor sleep quality, and time of resuming ART medication.

Conclusion

The frequency of SD was 72.0%. Predictors of the SD were age, social anxiety, nicotine use, poor sleep quality, and time of resuming ART medication.

Caring, Chemistry, and Orgasms: Components of Great Sexual Experiences

Sexual satisfaction is important to individual well-being and relationship satisfaction, making it a research topic relevant for sex clinicians and relationship therapists. The current study adds to sexuality literature by asking participants questions about the factors involved in "great sex." We conducted 78 interviews via email or phone with participants ranging in age from 18 to 69. The sample included a diverse range of sexual orientations and identities, and various relationship statuses. Three primary themes emerged regarding great sex: orgasm, an emotional component, and chemistry/connection. Though some participants equated an emotional aspect as love; most participants made clear the difference between love and emotional elements in sex. Many participants shared their belief that a man only invests in his female partner's orgasm when he also invests in her emotionally. Thus, some women explained that the emotional component helped them be present enough to orgasm. Others explained the emotional component as trust and affection. Participants also elaborated to define chemistry, which they regarded as out of one's control and impossible to manufacture. A smaller number of participants stated unequivocally the lack of necessity of an emotional aspect to great sex; they stated instead that physical connection trumped an emotional component.

The effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy and sexual health education on sexual assertiveness of newly married women

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed at investigating the effect of sexual health education and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on sexual assertiveness (primary outcome) and sexual satisfaction (secondary outcome) of newly married women.

METHOD

This RCT was conducted on 66 newly married women with cases in pre-marriage counseling centers in Tabriz, Iran. Participants were assigned into three groups using block randomization. Eight group sessions of CBT were held for one of the intervention groups (n = 22) and 5-7 sessions of sexual health education for other intervention group (n = 22). The control group (n = 22) received neither education nor counseling during the research. The data were collected using the demographic and obstetric characteristics, Hulbert sexual assertiveness index, and Larson sexual satisfaction questionnaires, and analyzed using ANOVA and ANCOVA tests.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation: SD) score of the sexual assertiveness and sexual satisfaction in the CBT group enhanced from 48.77 (13.94) and 73.13 (13.53) before the intervention to 69.37 (7.28) and 86.57 (7.5) after the intervention, respectively. The mean (SD) score of the sexual assertiveness and sexual satisfaction in the sexual health education group increased from 48.9(11.39) and 74.95 (8.30) before the intervention to 66. 94 (7.42) and 84.93 (6.34) after the intervention, respectively. The mean (SD) score of the sexual assertiveness and sexual satisfaction in the control group changed from 45.04 (15.87) and 69.04 (10.75) before the intervention to 42.74 (14.11) and 66.44 (10.11) after the intervention, respectively. Eight weeks after the intervention, the mean scores of sexual assertiveness and sexual satisfaction in two intervention groups were more than that in the control group (P < 0.001), However, there was no significant difference between the two intervention groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this research indicated that CBT and sexual health education are effective in improving women's sexual assertiveness and sexual satisfaction. Considering that sexual health education, does not require complex counseling skills compared to CBT, it can be used as a preferred intervention in promoting sexual assertiveness and satisfaction of newly married women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20170506033834N8. Date of registration: 11.09.2021. URL: http://en.irct.ir .

Perceived Stress, Sexual and Marital Satisfaction among Married Healthcare Workers in Nigeria

Background: Marital and sexual satisfaction are essential for conjugal bliss and harmony. However, stress in the workplace can influence sexual and marital satisfaction of couples. There is dearth of information about level of sexual and marital satisfaction among healthcare workers in Nigeria, as well as the connections between stress, sexual and marital satisfaction among healthcare workers.  Purpose: This study assessed inter-relationship between perceived stress, sexual and marital satisfaction among married healthcare workers.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study adopted a quantitative approach among 150 consented healthcare workers recruited using a simple random sampling technique. Instruments for data collection included the Perceived Stress Scale, Enrich Marital Satisfaction questionnaire and Pinney Sexual Satisfaction Inventory. The Pearson correlation was used to ascertain relationships and linear regression was done to predict influence of one variable on the other.Results: Perceived level of stress of the healthcare workers was low [16.9(0.001)] and mean sexual satisfaction (SS) was poor [78.93(23.68)]. Also, 49.3% were found to be the dissatisfied maritally. Perceived stress showed a positive correlation with marital satisfaction (MS) (r=0.48, p<0.01). However, stress negatively correlated with participants’ SS with partners (r=-0.51, p<0.01). Similarly, general SS positively correlated with MS (r=0.32, p<0.01). Predictors of MS included perceived stress (β=0.614, p=0.01), age differences with spouse (β=0.30, p=0.01), number of children (β=-0.24, p=0.01), and family type (β=-0.21, p=0.05).Conclusion: Only half of the participants in this study are maritally satisfied. Marital satisfaction increases with sexual satisfaction. Stress is correlated with reduced sexual satisfaction of the participant, and as number of children increases, marital satisfaction reduces. Couples should be encouraged to give birth to moderate number of children to improve marital satisfaction.