Internet Dependency and Its Relation to Sexual Desire and Satisfaction in Married Clients Referred to Healthcare Centers in Tabriz, Iran

BACKGROUND: Internet dependency has become one of the 21(st) century dilemmas affecting different aspects of married life such as sexual relationships. Considering the importance of family in the Iranian society, this study aimed to determine how internet dependency is related to sexual desires and satisfaction among married clients of healthcare centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 326 married clients referred to healthcare centers in Tabriz City, Iran, between February and August 2019. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used based on the health complexes and the healthcare centers covered by them. One of the healthcare centers covered by each complex was selected randomly. The data collection tools included a demographic characteristics checklist, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS), and the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Desire (HISD). The collected data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient test and multiple linear regression model. RESULTS: The mean (SD) was 37.33 (15.37) for of internet dependency, 59.20 (17.27) for sexual desire, and 104.45 (22.81) for sexual satisfaction. There was a negative correlation between internet dependency and sexual satisfaction (r = -0.47, p < 0.001). This correlation remained significant (B = -0.41, df = 9, p < 0.001,) even when occupation (B = 3.66, p = 0.01), satisfaction with married life (B = 15.34, p < 0.001), and sexual desire (B = 0.60, p < 0.001) were adjusted as potential confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Internet dependency can cause a reduction in sexual desire and sexual satisfaction. Designing educational interventions in healthcare centers is recommended to manage the use of internet and to inform clients about the effects that internet dependency may have.