Sexual function and quality of life in diabetic women referring to health care centers in Mashhad

CONTEXT: Quality of life (QOL) is one of the important indexes of health and well-being promotion in the diabetic patients. Based on numerous studies, these patients have a lower QOL, compared to nondiabetic individuals. In addition, a higher prevalence of sexual function disorder has been reported in their population that can have a negative effect on their QOL. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the association between sexual function and QOL in diabetic women referring to health care centers in Mashhad during 2013–2014. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: In this correlational study, the association between sexual function and QOL in 90 diabetic women with type two diabetes referring to health care centers in Mashhad during 2013–2014 was investigated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data were collected by Rosen female sexual function index and short form-36 questionnaires. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed by mean comparison and Spearman correlation coefficient statistical test through SPSS 16. RESULTS: Subjects’ mean sexual function score was 21.7 ± 6.30. Based on the finding, 25.6% of the subjects suffered from sexual function disorder. Subjects’ mean score of QOL was 58.75 ± 1616.24. There was a significant association between an overall score of sexual function and its subscales, with their QOL and two dimensions of overall physical and psychological and mental health scores (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual function is one of the important and associated aspects of QOL in diabetic patients. Designing and evaluation of the interventions with the goal of an improvement in this variable plays a notable role in the promotion of these patients’ QOL. However, with regard to limited research in this field, further studies on this association are suggested.