Predictor Factors of Female Sexual Distress in a Population-Based Sample of Iranian Women: a Path Analysis

To investigate the direct and indirect effects of demographic characteristics, relationship satisfaction, and psychological factors on female sexual distress (FSD) using path analysis.

This study was conducted in two stages. Initially, we obtained the FSD predictor factor's conceptual model through a literature review and expert panel. In the Second stage, a population-based cross-sectional study on 207 non-pregnant and married women (without any age restriction) in Zanjan, Iran was conducted. FSDs-R, FSFI-6, DASS-21, and GEMREL Standard questionnaires and the demographic researcher-made questionnaire were used in this study.

Sexual function (SF) had the strongest relationship with FSD from the direct path (β = -.49) and overall effect (β = -.58). The highest indirect effect belonged to depression-anxiety-stress level (β = .284) mediated by SF (β = -.42) and relationships satisfaction with spouse (β = -.20). Age difference (β = -.13) and relationships satisfaction with spouse (β = -.19) had only a direct effect on FSD. Marriage Duration had only indirect effect on FSD through mediating role on SF (β = -.26) and depression-anxiety-stress level (β = -.15).

Among the predictor factors investigated in this study, sexual dysfunction is the most important predictor of FSD. In addition; men older than their spouses, longer marriage duration, relationship dissatisfaction with the spouse and higher rate of depression-anxiety-stress have positive correlation with SD. Therefore, we should offer a combination of the mentioned factors in providing care for women with SD.