Testing Polynomial (Non-Linear) Effects of Neurological and Physical Disability on Sexual Well-Being in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is among the most prevalent chronic autoimmune disorders affecting the central nervous system. In Poland, the MS incidence rate is 6.3 per 100,000 patients. The results of studies indicate that people suffering from MS are less involved in sexual life in both the physical and emotional aspects, they assess that sex is less important to them than to healthy people, and their sexual motivation is limited, especially its physical dimension. Methods: A total of 121 people participated in the study. It used four questionnaires: authors’ survey on sociodemographic and biomedical data, Short Sexual Well-Being Scale, Guy’s Neurological Disability Scale, and Expanded Disability Status Scale. Results: A positive and moderate relationship was found between neurological disability and physical disability. Also, the correlation between neurological disability and the number of sexual dysfunctions was significant. Problems in the neurological sphere were also negatively associated with sexual well-being. Physical disability was not significantly associated with the level of sexual well-being or the number of declared sexual dysfunctions. The number of dysfunctions was moderately associated with the levels of sexual well-being. The polynomial regression analyses did not find any non-linear relationships between the severity of disability and sexual well-being. Conclusions: This study suggests that the occurrence of sexual dysfunctions can be an important subject in MS patients’ sexual well-being. It underlines the fact that the subject of one’s sexuality cannot be omitted while providing medical and psychological support for individuals with MS.