(266) Examining the Experience of Sexual Dysfunction and Spiritual Abuse among Cisgender Muslim Women in North America

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Muslim women are an underrepresented and underserved population in North America who often do not seek care for their sexual traumas and sexual difficulties. In order to better serve this population with minimal bias, it is important for healthcare providers to understand their vast experiences with spiritual abuse and sexual dysfunction, as well as reasons for not seeking healthcare related to sexual dysfunction. Objective To understand the experiences of cisgender Muslim women in North America with regards to sexual function, sexual abuse and spiritual abuse. Methods To investigate these topics, a survey was administered to 771 Muslims between the ages of 18–45 who live in the US and Canada 2020. The majority of respondents were heterosexual females, were part of the Sunni sect of Islam, had a bachelor’s degree or higher, and were of South Asian, Asian, Middle Eastern, or Arab ancestry. Aspects of sexual functioning such as the frequency of sexual desire, arousal during sexual intercourse, achievement of orgasm, and pain during or after vaginal penetration were assessed. Results Of the 158 respondents who reported having experienced sexual pain, only 34.4% sought healthcare for this problem. The most commonly cited reasons included fear or shame, unawareness, doubt that the situation would improve, and resolution of the pain on its own. 530 participants were asked if religion or spirituality have been used to: force them to make decisions they are opposed to (76.4%), force them to engage in a non-consensual sexual act (14.6%), isolate from others (57.9%), minimize the abuse they experienced (48.7%), or prevent them from speaking out against abuse (53.9%). Conclusions This data provides insight into a Muslim cohort’s frequency of sexual burdens which include dysfunction and abuse. Understanding how spiritual abuse can influence patients’ familial, romantic, and sexual relationships may help providers to administer culturally competent care to Muslim patients. Disclosure No.