Sexual Dysfunction Among Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Chronic renal disease is a worldwide concern. The number of patients on hemodialysis increases every year. These patients have several physiological and psychological problems like sexual dysfunction that can affect their mental health and treatment course.

This study first aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis compared to healthy people. Then, it evaluated factors associated with sexual dysfunction in both groups.

This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 142 participants in two groups selected by a convenience sampling method. Group one included 71 ESRD patients from two hemodialysis centers in Zahedan, Southeast of Iran, recruited between September 2018 and September 2019. Group two included 71 healthy individuals matched for age, weight, and educational status. The two groups were assessed based on psychiatric interviews, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and the index of female sexual function (IFSF). The SPSS 24 software was used for data analysis. The bivariate Pearson correlation test, Cramer V, and independent-t-test were used to analyze the data.

All female patients and 90% of healthy females had various levels of sexual dysfunction, and there was no significant difference between them (P = 0.21). However, 84.6% of male patients and 33.3% of healthy males had various levels of sexual dysfunction and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). The duration of hemodialysis was not correlated with sexual dysfunction. Age, weight, educational status, and marriage duration showed the most correlations with sexual dysfunction, especially in females.

As the findings showed, sexual dysfunction had a high prevalence among hemodialysis patients. As many of these patients must be on hemodialysis for long periods, we need to pay attention to sexual dysfunction when assessing and planning for their treatment.