Prevalence and predictors of sexual function in midlife partnered Chinese women assessed by two simple indicators: Sexual frequency and sexual desire

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of sexual frequency, sexual desire in midlife partnered Chinese women.

Methods: Sexual frequency, sexual desire over the past 3 months, menopausal symptoms and other socioeconomic information were assessed for women aged 40-65 years in the Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital.

Results: Among 3485 eligible partnered participants, the prevalence of low sexual frequency (less than once per week) and low sexual desire (less than 5 scores) were 72.74% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 71.16%-74.23%) and 71.79% (95% CI = 70.30-73.17%), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.17-1.23), more educated (>15 years) (compared with<10 years, OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.48-0.82), perimenopause, postmenopause (compared with premenopause, OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.02-2.15, OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.80-4.23), sleep disorder (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.02-1.50), unemployment (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.45-2.92) were independently associated with low sexual frequency, while multiple linear regression revealed that age β = -0.126, 95% CI = -0.139--0.114), unemployment (β = -0.792, 95% CI = -0.954 to -0.629),chronic diseases (compared with no disease, single disease (β = -0.200, 95% CI = -0.020 to -0.077, multiple diseases (β = -0.792, 95% CI = -0.859 to -0.372), body mass index (β = -0.615, 95% CI = -0.859 to -0.372), postmenopause (β = -0.915, 95% CI = -1.143 to -0.759) were independent indicators for low sexual desire after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion: Low sexual frequency and low sexual desire were quite prevalent in midlife Chinese partnered women. Some factors, such as sleep disorder, obesity are modifiable or can be prevented or treated with safe and effective therapies.

Keywords: menopause; sexual desire; sexual frequency.