Self-reported assessment of female sexual function among Brazilian undergraduate healthcare students: a cross-sectional study (survey)

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate female sexual function among young undergraduate women. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional survey conducted among Brazilian undergraduate students. METHODS: This study used online questionnaires to assess sociodemographic and health-related data and used the Brazilian version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) among female undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 years who were regularly enrolled in undergraduate healthcare courses. The FSFI is composed of 19 items that measure female sexual function over the last four weeks, in six domains: desire and subjective stimulation, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain or discomfort. RESULTS: Among the 149 female undergraduate students evaluated, 43 (28.8%) presented sexual dysfunction (score < 26.55). Health conditions were not associated with female sexual dysfunction. Among the women with sexual dysfunction, all domains of the sexual response cycle were affected (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction was identified in at least a quarter of these young undergraduate women and it was not associated with gynecological problems, menstrual cycles, dysmenorrhea, contraceptive use or physical activity.