Correlation of Sexual Knowledge and Attitude with Sexual Function in Female Nurses

Healthy and satisfying sexual life is one of the important elements of welfare in women and their quality of life. In this study, the correlation of sexual knowledge and attitude with sexual function in female nurses, was investigated. This research was performed as a descriptive correlational study on female nurses in hospitals of Kermanshah city. A total of 109 subjects were selected from three hospitals using available sampling. Data collection was carried out using Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Sexual Knowledge and Attitude Scale. Data were analyzed using correlation coefficient and regression statistical tests. In this research, there was significant correlation between sexual knowledge and sexual desire, arousal, humidity, orgasm, and total sexual function (0.001); also, there was significant correlation between sexual attitude and sexual desire and total sexual performance (0.05), and between sexual attitude and arousal and orgasm (0.001). The predictive variables together explained 0.32 of the sexual function (F=25.6, R2=0.32, R=0.57). Sexual knowledge alone can predict sexual function in nurses (p=0.001, ß=0.5). Considering the correlation between sexual attitude and sexual function, this variable alone could not predict sexual function. The results of this study showed that sexual knowledge and attitude are important and effective categories in sexual function of individuals. Therefore, paying attention to this issue in educational and health centers is important in providing education and health services in relation to sexual relationships, and sexual function can be promoted through appropriate and scientific sexual trainings.