The Relationship between Sexual Self-concept and Sexual Function in Women of Reproductive Age Referred to Health Centers in Gorgan, North East of Iran

Abstract

Background & aim: The preservation and enhancement of the sexual function are the key elements of sexual health. One of the most important predictive factors of sexual behavior and function is sexual self-concept. This construct is defined as the individuals’ understanding and evaluation of their own sexual desires and orientations. The aim of the present study was to determine the correlation between the dimensions of sexual self-concept and sexual function in the women of reproductive age. Methods: This correlational descriptive study was conducted on 79 married women of reproductive age referred to the health centers in Gorgan, Iran. The sample size was determined using the sample size formula with a power of 90% and a confidence interval of 95%. The data collection tools included the Persian multidimensional sexual self-concept questionnaire included 23 items covering five dimensions (i.e., sexual anxiety, sexual fear, sexual self-efficacy, sexual self-esteem, and sexual satisfaction) and the Persian Female Sexual Function Index consisted of 19 items in six dimensions. Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient through the SPSS software (version 16). Results: The Spearman correlation test revealed a significant direct correlation between the sexual self-esteem and the positive dimensions of sexual function, including desire (P=0.002, r=0.3), arousal (p <0.0001, r=0.4), lubrication (p <0.0001, r=0.4), orgasm (p <0.0001, r=0.4), and satisfaction (P=0.002, r=0.3). Likewise, the sexual self-concept had a significant direct correlation with the positive dimensions of sexual function (p <0.0001, r=0.4). Furthermore, this variable had a significant indirect correlation with the negative dimension of sexual function (i.e., pain) (p <0.0001, r=-0.4). There was a significant indirect correlation between the sexual anxiety and the positive dimensions of sexual function (p <0.0001, r=-0.4). Additionally, a direct correlation was observed between the sexual anxiety and sexual pain (p <0.0001, r=0.4). Conclusion: The enhancement of the positive dimensions of the sexual self-concept (i.e., self-esteem and sexual satisfaction) and reduction of its negative dimensions (i.e., sexual anxiety) could strengthen the positive sexual function in the women of reproductive age. The findings of the present study can be useful in designing the sexual counseling methods, preserving or enhancing the sexual health and function, and consequently improving the stability of the family system.