Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1 Multiple Sclerosis Research Group (MSRG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2 Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yas Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
4 Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Background: Women with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from a wide range of complications. The goal of this study was to compare sexual dysfunction (SD), depression, and sexual quality of life in women with MS with these problems in women without MS.
Methods: Fifty-four women with MS and 108 women without MS were enrolled. All participants were asked to fill valid and reliable versions of BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), and SQOL (sexual quality of life) questionnaires.
Results: Mean scores for BDI, SQOL, and orgasm and satisfaction domains of FSFI were significantly different between case and control groups. Sexual quality of life (SQOL) had a significant positive correlation with FSFI (r=0.568, p<0.001) and a significant negative correlation with BDI scores (r=-0.528, p<0.001). A significant negative correlation was also found between FSFI and BDI scores (r=-0.325, p<0.001). According to the total FSFI cut-off point, 53.7% of cases and 44.4% of controls had SD (p=0.168).
Considering SQOL as a dependent variable and age, education level, marriage duration, husband’s age, and BDI and FSFI scores as independent variables, linear regression analysis showed that education level, BDI score, and FSFI score were independent predictors of SQOL in all participants, while among MS patients, only BDI and FSFI were significant predictors of SQOL.
Conclusion: Sexual quality of life and sexual function should be considered in women with MS, and depression should be assessed and treated as a possible risk factor.
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