Analysis of low sexual desire in Chinese women: a national population-based epidemiological survey in mainland China
Jiali Tong A , Chunni Zhang B , Lei Zhang A , Tao Xu C , Jinghe Lang A and Lan Zhu A D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China.
B Department of Sociology, Peking University, No. 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100871, China.
C Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100730, China.
D Corresponding author. Email: zhu_julie@vip.sina.com
Sexual Health 17(1) 61-68 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH19097
Submitted: 27 February 2019 Accepted: 19 August 2019 Published: 17 January 2020
Abstract
Background: Low sexual desire is the most prevalent female sexual health problem; however, national epidemiologic data on female sexual desire in China are absent. Understanding factors related to low sexual desire are essential in preparing educational and consultative programs and policies to improve women’s sexual health. Methods: A national epidemiological survey on female sexual function was conducted from February 2014 to January 2016 in mainland China. Women were randomly selected using multistage, stratified, cluster sampling. The sexual functioning was assessed by using the Chinese version of the 19-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Results: The questionnaire on sexual dysfunction was completed by 25 446 women who were aged 20–70 years. The prevalence of low sexual desire was 21.6% (domain score ≤4.28), and the declines in sexual desire started as early as 25–29 years. Sexual arousal was most closely related to sexual desire (Pearson’s correlation = 0.760). Higher educational attainment was associated with a decreased risk of low sexual desire. Diabetes, non-gynaecological cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease and pelvic pain had negative effects on sexual desire (OR = 1.44, 99% CI = 1.11–1.87; OR = 1.92, 99% CI = 1.18–3.13; OR = 1.32, 99% CI = 1.07–1.63; OR = 1.77, 99% CI = 1.13–2.76 respectively). Conclusions: The prevalence of low sexual desire in females in China was modest. Low sexual desire is correlated with sexual arousal disorder. Biopsychosocial factors have overlapping effects on sexual desire.
Additional keywords: public health, sexual dysfunction.
References
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