The Effects of Alcohol Dependence on the Quality of Life and Sex Life of Women

Abstract

Background: Alcohol dependence is a multi-dimensional and chronic disorder which affects the physical, psychological, social, sexual health and thus the quality of life of the individual. Objectives: This research was designed in order to determine the effect of alcohol dependence on the quality of life and sexual life of women. Methods: The research was a cross-sectional and comparative relation study, consisting of a case study group constituted of women who consulted Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Disorders Training and Research Hospital's Alcohol and Substance Research, Treatment, Education Center between July 2009 and July 2010 and who were diagnosed as alcohol addicted and a healthy group, constituted of women who consulted the Gynecology Clinic of the same hospital (alcohol dependent group = 71, healthy group = 183). The data were collected using ‘World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Form’ (WHOQOL-BREF TR), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Data were analyzed by percentage, mean, chi-square, student's t-test, and multivariate analysis by use of SPSS 13.0 program. Results: It was determined that the alcohol-dependent women presented lower WHOQOL-BREF-TR sub-dimensions and lower FSFI total scores and sub-dimensions but higher scores in BDI scale in comparison to the healthy group. Conclusions: The alcohol dependence negatively affects the quality of life and sexual life in women.