Predictors of female sexual problems in Shanxi, China: a population-based cross-sectional epidemiologic survey

BACKGROUND: Large studies on female sexual function have been conducted globally. Nonetheless, whether the state of female sexual function in China is significantly different from that in the rest of the world is largely unknown. AIM: In this study, we aimed to investigate the associated risk factors for sexual problems in women in Shanxi, China, by conducting a population-based cross-sectional epidemiological survey. METHODS: Using the Chinese version of the Female Sexual Function Index (CV-FSFI), we surveyed women aged 20-70 years to diagnose the sexual problems. We used multiple linear regression models to estimate the risk factors for sexual problems. OUTCOMES: We used the CV-FSFI for investigating the female sexual function. RESULTS: Our results included 6720 women, of whom 1205 were the sexually inactive and 5515 were sexually active. The mean FSFI score for sexually active women was 25.38 ± 4.20 (99% CI 25.27-25.49). Negative numerical coefficients were found for model predictors of age (B = −0.134, P < 0.001), postmenopausal status (B = −2.250, P < 0.001), chronic diseases (B = −0.512, P < 0.001), and gynecologic diseases (B = −0.767, P < 0.001). In contrast, positive numerical coefficients were found for education (B = 0.466, P < 0.001) and cesarean section (B = 0.312, P = 0.009). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: It is important to pay attention to the sexual health of women and explore the factors influencing the sexual problems of women in China. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The present study is to our knowledge the first to evaluate the sexual function of women in Shanxi, China. Answers to questions asked in the CV-FSFI survey may be somewhat subjective, and thus additional tools and documentation are probably needed for accurate assessment. CONCLUSION: Similarly to other worldwide studies, our study found that increasing age, postmenopausal status, chronic diseases, and gynecological diseases were risk factors for sexual problems, whereas high education levels and cesarean section childbirth were protective factors for sexual problems.