Analyses the effects of COVID-19 outbreak on human sexual behaviour using ordinary least-squares based multivariate logistic regression

Qual Quant. 2021;55(4):1239-1259. doi: 10.1007/s11135-020-01057-8. Epub 2020 Oct 18.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on sexual, mental and physical health. There were 262 respondents included in this study (38% female and 62% male) above 18 years of age from India. Statistical analysis was performed using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) based on multivariate logistic regression analysis. The numerical tests were performed by using Python 3 engine and R-squared (coefficient of multiple determinations for multiple regressions) for prediction and P value > 0.5 is considered to be statistically significant. The study outcomes were obtained using a study-specific questionnaire to assess the quality of sex life, changes in sexual behavior and mental health. Frequency of sexual intercourse, frequency of watching porn, sexual hygiene, frequency of physical activity, depression, desire for parenthood in female respondents have more significant R 2 (0.903, 0.976, 0.973, 0.989, 0.985, 0.862) value respectively as compared to male respondents. Financial anxiety, Smoking and drinking habits in male respondents have more significant R 2 (0.917, 0.964) value respectively as compared to female respondents. The aim of this study is to understand quality of sex life, sexual behavior, reproductive planning, mental health, physical health and adult coping during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as how past experiences have affected. Many respondents had a broad variety of problems concerning their sexual and reproductive well being. Measures should be set in order to safeguard the mental and sexual health of people during the pandemic.

Keywords: Anxiety; COVID-19; Depression; Mental health; Multivariate logistic regression; Ordinary least squares; Physical health; Sexual behavior.