Sexual activity, prevalence of sexual problems, and associated help-seeking patterns in men and women aged 40-80 years in Korea: data from the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors (GSSAB).
BACKGROUND
Although there is considerable interest in the prevalence and impact of sexual problems worldwide, to date only male erectile dysfunction has been studied systematically in Asian countries.


OBJECTIVE
To study the prevalence of sexual problems and associated help-seeking patterns, among mature adults in Korea and to compare the results with those obtained in other Southeast Asian and East Asian countries.


METHODS
As part of the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors (GSSAB), a survey was conducted in Korea during 2001 and 2002. Sampling was based on an intercept methodology and 1,200 individuals (600 men and 600 women) aged 40-80 years completed the survey out of 3,691 eligible subjects (response rate of 32.5%).


METHODS
General health, relationships, and sexual behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs.


RESULTS
Ninety-one percent of men and 71% of women had engaged in sexual intercourse during the 12 months preceding the interview. Early ejaculation (33%) and erectile difficulties (32%) were the sexual problems most frequently reported by Korean men; these conditions were more common in Korea than in other Asian regions. Increasing age, physical inactivity, smoking, and prostate disease were significant correlates of erectile difficulties. The sexual problems most frequently reported by women in Korea were lack of sexual pleasure (37%) and inability to reach orgasm (31%). Only 2% of men and women in Korea had talked to a medical doctor about their sexual problems.


CONCLUSIONS
Middle-aged and older adults in Korea regard sex as an important part of life and report continued sexual activity. Several sexual problems are highly prevalent in this population, but very few individuals seek medical help for these disorders. This is largely due to believing that the problem is not serious, not being bothered by the problem, difficulties regarding access to or affordability of medical care, and/or a lack of awareness of available treatments.
Unit of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Oswald Cruz Foundation, Bahia, Brazil. edson@cpqgm.fiocruz.br
Edson D
ED
Moreira
Sae-Chul
SC
Kim
Dale
D
Glasser
Clive
C
Gingell
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001208:Asia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009948:Orgasm / Q000502:physiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires