Sexual Quality of Life and Association With HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among a Cohort of Heterosexual Couples in Kenya

INTRODUCTION: Sexual quality of life (SQoL) is a critical component of sexual health and is understudied in Sub-Saharan African settings with endemic HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI). AIM: We sought to assess SQoL among heterosexual couples in Kisumu, Kenya, and how this was associated with HIV status, STIs, and sexual practices. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of community-recruited couples. SQoL, HIV status, herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 status, bacterial vaginosis (BV), sexual practices, and sociodemographics were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Multivariable linear regression with random intercept was fitted separately for females and males, accounting for partner characteristics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: SQoL was assessed with an 18-item female and 11-item male survey. RESULTS: From April 2014 through July 2016, 252 couples were enrolled, and followed up through September 2017. At baseline, women were median age 23 years, 10% HIV positive, 53% HSV-2 seropositive, and 22% with BV. At baseline men were median age 26 years, 12% HIV positive, 47% HSV-2 seropositive, and 56% circumcised. Mean SQoL was higher for men (88) than women (78), with consistent scores over time. In multivariable analysis (P < .05 each), SQoL Questionnaire—Female (SQoL-F) score was reduced with: male partner report that sex felt rougher than he would have liked (9.5-point decrease), female HSV-2 seropositivity (5.15-point decrease), female reported having dry vaginal sex (5.27-point decrease); among women with BV, SQoL-F score declined with recent sexual activity (8.27-point decrease) and increasing age (0.75-point decrease per 1 year increase in age). Age and recent sex did not affect SQoL-F for women without BV. SQoL Questionnaire—Male score was decreased 4.99 points if male was employed, 4.52 points if male reported multiple recent sex partners, and 29.5 points for HIV positive men whose female partner reported having sex when not in the mood. Men’s SQoL increased by 0.84 points for each 1-U increase in female partner body mass index and 17.6 points for HIV positive men whose female partner reported recent sex with him. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Within sexual partnerships, men had greater SQoL than women, and the adverse impact of BV and STIs on SQoL was greater for women than men. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: Research is needed to ensure relevant domains are measured in settings where measure of SQoL has not been validated, along with robust measures of physiologic and psychologic correlates. CONCLUSION: More attention to SQoL as an outcome may strengthen interventions aimed at preventing HIV and STIs and improving sexual health holistically.