Predictors of sexual function in pregnant Iranian adolescents.

Abstract

Human sexual activity is one of the main aspects of life. The present study intended to determine the status of sexual function in pregnant adolescents at their second trimester of pregnancy and its predictive factors. This cross-sectional research studied 136 adolescents aged 15-19 years in their 24th-30th gestational weeks. All eligible pregnant adolescents in all 80 health centers of Tabriz, Iran were considered as the study samples. The data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2). A general linear model was used to determine the relationships between sexual function and socio-demographic characteristics and intimate partner violence (IPV). The frequency of sexual dysfunction in pregnant adolescents was about 65%. The mean [standard deviation (SD)] of total sexual function score was 25.3 (5.9) from the attainable score of 2-36. The pregnant adolescents obtained the lowest and the highest mean scores in the sexual desire and sexual satisfaction subscales, respectively. Shorter marital duration and IPV were sexual function predictors. Considering the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in pregnant adolescent, and the impact of IPV on sexual function, midwives should take the necessary actions in identifying and consulting this disorder and IPV in their prenatal visits.