Prevalence of male and female sexual problems, perceptions related to sex and association with quality of life in a Chinese population: a population-based study

Abstract

The prevalence of sexual problems (SP) and sexual satisfaction and their associations with sex-related perceptions and quality of life (QOL) were investigated by interviewing 3257 and 1568 Chinese adults in Hong Kong by a specially designed computerized telephone-interviewing method. SP was prevalent among male (50.9%) and female (54%) respondents; approximately 50% were dissatisfied with their sexual life. Of respondents, 23.9% of men and 5.9% of women perceived sex as important and 52.5% for men and 33.8% of women reported adequate sexual knowledge. The prevalence of SP ranged from 3.4% (pain) to 29.7% (premature orgasm) for men and 6.9% (anxiety) to 24.7% (lack of interest) for women. Prevalence of erectile and lubrication problems were 9.6 and 23.6%, respectively. Sex-related knowledge, perceived importance of sex, perceived physical health status, sexual satisfaction were predictors of SP. Gender differences and strong cultural influences appear to exist. Moreover, SP and sexual satisfaction were associated with mental health and vitality QOL and overall life satisfaction.