[The importance of biomedical indicators in sexual functioning in healthy Portuguese adults]

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of biomedical indicators, such as body mass index, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, on sexual functioning in Portuguese adults.

Methods: The sample consisted of 225 healthy individuals (non-smokers, women not taking contraceptive pill), aged 18-89 years (mean = 41 years), of whom 107 were males and 117 females. A Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Portuguese version of the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ) and biomedical indicators measurement devices were applied.

Results: 59.6% (N = 134) of the participants presented levels for global sexual functioning below the expected values. Men scored better overall sexual functioning when compared to women, as well as the group of younger participants. Significant correlational values between BMI (r = -253, p <.001), glycemic index (r = -.230, p <.001), total cholesterol (r = -144, p < .05) and sexual functioning were obtained. The hierarchical regression model allowed to demonstrate the mediating effect of the biomedical variables on sexual functioning, explaining 31% (r2 = .31; p <.001) of the total variance.

Discussion and conclusions: This research makes it possible to highlight the importance of biomedical indicators in sexual functioning, helping professionals working in this area to be aware of how biomedical contexts interfere with sexual expression.

Keywords: Biomedical indicators; Funcionamento sexual; Indicadores biomédicos; Sexual functioning; Sexualidade; Sexuality.