Sexual Dysfunction in Iranian Azeri Women With Multiple Sclerosis: Levels and Correlates

Objectives: Focusing on the associated factors of sexual dysfunction is essential for promoting the quality of life in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess sexual dysfunction, along with its levels and correlates in women with MS. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 women aged 18-45 who referred to the MS society of Tabriz (Iran) were recruited in this cross-sectional study using a convenience sampling method during March-June 2018. The data were collected employing demographic characteristics questionnaire, Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Beck Depression Inventory-Short Form (BDI-13) Items. Then, a neurologist rated the level of disability by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Finally, multivariate linear regression was applied to analyze the data. Results: The mean (standard deviation) age of MS patients was 36.64 (5.93) and the mean score of MSIS was 47.30 (14.92), ranging from 19 to 95. In addition, among the MS patients, 133 (88.6%) women reported sexual dysfunction (SD) including 125 (83.3%) women with primary SD, 85 (56.6%) women with secondary SD, and 55 (36.6%) women with tertiary SD. The results of multivariate regression analyses showed that predictive variables for SD in women with MS included education, depression, and spouse cooperation in home affairs. Conclusions: In general, SD is a common manifestation of MS. Women with MS should be screened and treated for depression. Further, the findings demonstrated that implementing support strategies by the husband could reduce SD in women with MS.