Title:The Relationship Between Self-esteem and Sexual Dysfunction in Women at Reproductive Ages: A Cross-sectional Study
VOLUME: 17 ISSUE: 1
Author(s):Naeimeh Tayebi, Zahra Beygi, Zahra Zaydanpanahi and Marzieh Akbarzadeh*
Affiliation:Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Community-Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Department of Midwifery, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz
Keywords:Self-esteem, sexual dysfunction, women, reproductive age, psychological, mental health.
Abstract:
Background: Sexual dysfunction mainly results from psychological and personal causes.
These causes, including self-esteem, have been considered to be the dominant reason for sexual
dysfunction. Self-esteem is, in fact, among the basic factors in desirable personality development.
Objective: Investigation of the relationship between self-esteem and sexual dysfunction in women
at reproductive ages referred to healthcare centers in Shiraz, Iran.
Materials and Methods: This epidemiological, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted on
268 women at reproductive ages referred to healthcare centers in Shiraz in 2014-2015. The study
data were collected using a demographic information form, Female Sexual Function Index, and
Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale.
Results: The results revealed a significant relationship between self-esteem and sexual function
(p=0.001), sexual desire (p=0.03), sexual arousal (p=0.01), and lubrication (p=0.026). However, no
significant correlation was observed among self-esteem and orgasm (p=0.54), sexual satisfaction
(p=0.3), and pain during intercourse (p=0.1). Investigation of the relationship between demographic
indicators and self-esteem showed that the spouse's education level had a significant statistical relationship
(p = 0.008) with self-esteem, while there was no significant relationship between self-esteem
and women's education level, husband's job, income, Body Mass Index (BMI), and age of women.
Conclusion: The results indicated that self-esteem was associated with sexual dysfunction. Accordingly,
individuals with lower self-esteem showed higher sexual dysfunction.
