P–497 Anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction among women with genital diseases

Abstract

Abstract Study question How is the prevalence of anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction among Chinese women who is suffering from genital diseases? What is the relationship among their anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction? Summary answer Anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction symptoms were self-reported by the participants. Besides, their anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction were inter-correlated. What is known already Reduced sexual activity and dysfunctional problems are highly prevalent in females. Approximately 43% of American women reported experiencing sexual problems. Women who are facing pressure on childbirth, may be more likely to have mental health problems. Some studies have shown that having gynecological disease can lead to anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction. However, the mental health of females who are suffering from genital diseases has been little studied. Study design, size, duration The investigation was carried out from March to November, 2020. Participants were recruited in the Hong Kong University-Shenzhen Hospital, located in Shenzhen, China. 135 patients were approached while 116 agreed to join the survey. Participants/materials, setting, methods 116 women (35.42±8.19 years old) with a diagnosis of fallopian tube disease, ovarian benign disease or uterine disease voluntarily filled a questionnaire which contains the Female Sexual Function Index–6 Items (FSFI–6) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Descriptive analysis and stepwise regression were used to present participants’ self-reported anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction problems, as well as the relationship among their anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction. Main results and the role of chance 25% of the participants reported anxiety symptoms; 9.5% of the women reported depressive symptoms; while 37.3% reported sexual dysfunction problems. Anxiety (p < 0.001) was significantly associated with depression. Depressive symptom can significantly predict sexual dysfunction (p < 0.05) while anxiety was not associated with sexual dysfunction (p > 0.05). Targeted interventions are needed to improve the mental health status of women with genital diseases in China. Limitations, reasons for caution This study can only present mental health status of this population. To better show the odds ratio of mental health problems, a case-control study design is needed. Besides, future qualitative or longitudinal studies are needed to detect the risk factors for the poor mental health of women with genital diseases. Wider implications of the findings: Reduced sexual activity and dysfunctional problems are highly prevalent in females with genital diseases. Sexuality is an important element in patients’ quality of life. For female patients with genital diseases, we should not only treat their physical symptoms, but also guide and treat patients in mental ways. Trial registration number ChiCTR2000031343