Prevalence and correlates of sexual dysfunction among patients with mental disorders in a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria.

Adekunle O Adesola,Bibilola Oladeji

doi:10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v27i0.1575

Adekunle O Adesola, Bibilola Oladeji

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v27i0.1575

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Abstract

BackgroundSexual dysfunction is more common among patients with mental disorders compared to the general population. Despite this high occurrence, information regarding sexual dysfunction as well as their correlates in patients receiving care for mental disorders in developing countries is still sparse.AimTo determine the prevalence and correlates of sexual dysfunction among patients with mental disorders receiving care in a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria.SettingThis study was performed at the psychiatric outpatient clinic at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 238 adults aged 18–60 years. Socio-demographic and clinical information was obtained from all recruited patients. Sexual dysfunction was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire for men and the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire for women. Questionnaires for measuring depression, medication adherence and autonomic medication side effects were also administered. Associations between sexual dysfunction and socio-demographic and clinical factors were explored.ResultsThe prevalence rates of sexual dysfunction among male and female participants were 84.7% and 95.7%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, employment status and autonomic side effects of psychotropic medications significantly predicted male sexual dysfunction, while religion and employment status were predictors of female sexual dysfunction.ConclusionSexual dysfunction is very common among patients with mental disorders, with higher rates in female participants. There is a need for clinicians to consider routine screening for sexual dysfunction in psychiatric outpatients with a view of providing psychosocial interventions to improve patient’s quality of life.

Highlights

Sexual activity is regarded by the World Health Organization and the Office of Surgeon General of the United States as a basic human right and an integral part of life.[1]
Sexual dysfunction is reportedly higher in patients with mental disorders compared to the general population, with rates ranging between 40% and 96%
In a recent study conducted in Nigeria, Olisah et al found a prevalence rate of 64.3% among outpatients with schizophrenia, substance use disorder, recurrent depressive disorder and bipolar affective disorder receiving psychotropic medications.[14]

Summary

Introduction

Sexual activity is regarded by the World Health Organization and the Office of Surgeon General of the United States as a basic human right and an integral part of life.[1]. Sexual dysfunction is reportedly higher in patients with mental disorders compared to the general population, with rates ranging between 40% and 96%.9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19. Studies reveal that 40% – 90% of patients with schizophrenia have one or more forms of sexual dysfunction.[9,10,12] Among patients with depression on treatment, sexual dysfunction is present in up to 50% of the female participants and 40% of the male participants.[13] In a recent study conducted in Nigeria, Olisah et al found a prevalence rate of 64.3% among outpatients with schizophrenia, substance use disorder, recurrent depressive disorder and bipolar affective disorder receiving psychotropic medications.[14]. Sexual dysfunction is more common among patients with mental disorders compared to the general population. Despite this high occurrence, information regarding sexual dysfunction as well as their correlates in patients receiving care for mental disorders in developing countries is still sparse

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