The Effect of COVID-19 and Its Control Measures on Sexual Satisfaction Among Married Couples in Kenya

Joachim Osur; Edward Mugambi Ireri; Tammary Esho

doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100354

The Effect of COVID-19 and Its Control Measures on Sexual Satisfaction Among Married Couples in Kenya

Sex Med. 2021 Jun;9(3):100354. doi: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100354. Epub 2021 Mar 19.

Authors

Joachim Osur¹, Edward Mugambi Ireri², Tammary Esho³

Affiliations

¹ School of Medical Sciences, Amref International University, Nairobi, Kenya; Amref Health Africa, End-FGM/C Centre of Excellence, Nairobi, Kenya. Electronic address: joachim.osur@Amref.org.
² Amref International University, Nairobi, Kenya.
³ Amref Health Africa, End-FGM/C Centre of Excellence, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 was first diagnosed in Kenya in March 2020 following which the government instituted control measures which could have affected people's sexual satisfaction and overall quality of life including restrictions in travels; ban on alcohol consumption and closure of bars; 9 pm to 5 am curfew; ban on political rallies, and closure of many workplaces with people being encouraged to work from home.

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine how perceived and experienced sexual satisfaction changed with the advent of COVID-19 among heterosexual married individuals in Kenya.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey. Data was collected virtually using monkey survey from social groups. A total of 194 participants responded to the survey.

Outcomes: The difference in overall sexual satisfaction as well as satisfaction with sex frequency; sex process; and time, place and ambience around sexual intercourse before and during COVID-19.

Results: Most of the participants (73.4%) reported that they were satisfied with their marital sex before COVID-19 but the proportion of those reporting satisfaction dropped to 58.4% when they were asked about their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among participants surveyed during the pandemic itself, therefore, 41.3% reported that they were currently sexually dissatisfied whereas just 26.6% reported that they were dissatisfied even prior to the pandemic. There was a significant difference in the overall distributions before and during COVID-19 (χ² = 38.86, P< .001).

Clinical translation: COVID-19 pandemic should be considered an etiology of sexual dissatisfaction and possibly sexual dysfunctions and COVID-19 control measures should incorporate ways of enhancing sexual well-being.

Conclusion: There was perceived increase in dissatisfaction with sex which could be a pointer to the falling quality of life during COVID-19 pandemic especially among the most sexually active men aged 31-50 years living in places where COVID-19 control measures are being stringently implemented. Osur J, Ireri EM, Esho T. The Effect of COVID-19 and Its Control Measures on Sexual Satisfaction Among Married Couples in Kenya. Sex Med 2021;9:100354.

Keywords: COVID-19 Curfew; COVID-19 Lockdown; Kenya; Married Couples; Sexual Dissatisfaction; Sexual Satisfaction.