Perception of Body Image and Sexuality of women with and without Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Introduction: Illness or injury distorts the body structure that may alter the individual’s image of the body. Sexuality is influenced by our body image and it is important for one’s health. All Auto immune diseases have effect on individual's body image, sexual health and psychological balance. SLE may lead to disfigurement and disability. The constant pain and fatigue associated with Lupus may make it difficult to cope with physical and emotional aspects of sex. Methods: A comparative descriptive study was conducted to assess the perception of body image and sexuality of women with and without SLE using Modified Licavoli's Body Image and Dr. William Snell's Multidi-mensional Sexual Self-concept and Sexuality scale. Total enumeration sampling technique was used to select 61 women with and without SLE. Descriptive statistics such as numbers, percentage and Chi-square was used for analysis. Results: Results demonstrated a statistically significant difference (p=<.ooo1) in the perception of body image and sexuality between women with and without SLE. Among women with SLE 44.3% had a dissatisfied body image while 16.4% had highly satisfied body image. 60.7% of women with SLE had good sexuality compared to 95.1% of normal women. This study also shows that 39.3% of women with SLE have rarely been involved in sexual activity. Results also suggest that the women with SLE were found to have a negative perception of body image and sexuality.