Predictors of Body Image Related Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). As body image concerns may be related to SD, this study focused on predictors of body image related SD in a sample of MS patients. To evaluate correlates of body image related SD, including sociodemographics, mental health, and select illness variables including help-seeking behaviors for sexual problems, time since MS diagnosis, and self-reported disability status. This study utilized de-identified, archived data from a MS patient registry, the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS). The sample consisted of 4,267 respondents to the NARCOMS questionnaire, which included a reliable and valid instrument for assessing SD. People who had higher scores on body image related SD were less educated, female, with longer disease duration and greater disability. They reported poorer mental health and seeking treatment for sexual problems less frequently. In the final regression model, age, employment status, and race were not significantly related to body image related SD in MS. The results of the study offer evidence that body image related SD in MS is a complex, multi-factorial phenomenon that is related to a variety of demographic, mental health, and disease related variables.