Evaluation of the effect of the COVID-19 crisis on sexual health in Egypt: An online national survey with the collaboration of the I-SHARE (International Sexual Health And REproductive Health) survey

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic and related distancing measures have affected the sexual health in both males and females. These harm effects might be caused due to psychological factors. Although the impact of COVID-19 on the sexual health is variable among different countries, it is not studied well in Egypt. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate how the social distancing measures that was taken by the Egyptian government during the COVID-19 health crisis, affect the family situation, and sexual relationship. METHODS: An international online survey was conducted to evaluate the sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing in times of the COVID-19 crisis in Egypt. An online informed consent was obtained from all participants. The survey was available in the Arabic language for only Egyptian citizens and/or residents who are speaking Arabic and older than 18 years old. This survey has been a part of the I-SHARE (International Sexual Health And REproductive Health) Survey that examines the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on sexual and reproductive health. Participation in this survey was anonymous. RESULTS: Total respondents were 1021 with 53.2% (544/1021) were males. Most participants were young age (age 21-30, 31-40 years were 41.9, 29.9 % respectively). Participants were mainly from the Large Cairo (24.5%) and Delta (15.2%) provinces with most of them were Muslim (91.2%). 40.5% were legally married and living together. As regards the COVID-19 social distancing measures, they follow them a lot and very strictly follow 37.3, 33 % respectively.77.4% never undergone testing for COVID-19 and only 9% was tested positive. More than half (56.5%) reported that the economic situation become worse during the social distancing measures. Alcohol and Cannabis intake were (6, 4.2% monthly or less, 5.6, 4% 2-4 times/month) respectively before the social distancing measures, and were increased during the distancing measures (8, 5.7% monthly or less, 7, 8.1% 2-4 times/month) respectively. Satisfaction about sexual life was changed from (45.1% very satisfied, 26.2% somewhat satisfied) before the COVID-19 measures to (38.2% very satisfied, 31.7% somewhat satisfied) during them. Also, frequency of sexual intercourse (25.2% 2-4/month, 17.9% 2-3/week) before the COVID-19 measures stayed the same 74% and decreased a lot in 19.7% during the COVID-19 measures. Frequency of Masturbation was (16.4% monthly or less, 11.6% 2-4/month) before the COVID-19 measures stayed the same 39.6%, decreased a lot 37.6% and increased a lot 6.4% during the COVID-19 measures. Also, watching pornography was (15% monthly or less, 10% 2-4/month) before the COVID-19 measures and decreased a lot 41.7%, stayed the same 35.9% and increased a lot 6.2% during the COVID-19 measures. In addition, frequency of sexting was (10% 2-4/month, 8% monthly or less) before the COVID-19 measures and decreased a lot 43%, stayed the same 38.5% and increased a lot 6.9% during the COVID-19 measures. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated social distancing measures have various effects on the different aspects of the sexual life. These effects might be caused through the impairment of the psychological status and worsening of the economic status during the COVID-19 measures. DISCLOSURE: Work supported by industry: no.