Study of the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in sexually active women 18 to 40 years of age in Medellín, Colombia.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Colombia has not been adequately studied. A reliable estimate of the prevalence of FSD can be helpful for the adequate planning of reproductive health and research activities.


OBJECTIVE
Measure the prevalence of female sexual complaints in a sample of sexually active women aged 18-40 years in a city of Colombia.


METHODS
A self-administered validated questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), was administered to 410 sexually active women at different focal groups. A cutoff value of 26.5 was used to define female sexual complaint. Ten questions on age, educational level, socioeconomic status, marital status, cohabitation, depressive feelings, use of antidepressive drugs, menstrual cycle, offspring, and contraception were included.


METHODS
The primary end point was the percentage of women having a score equal or less than 26.5.


RESULTS
In the study group, 117 of 391 women scored less than 26.5 for a prevalence of sexual complaints of 30%. The independent variables associated with sexual complaints were low educational level, the feelings of depression, and the use of antidepressive drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study found a low FSFI score in 30% of sexually active women aged 18-40 years in the city of Medellin, Colombia, which could be indicative of sexual complaints.
Inser-Sexology Unit, Medellin, Colombia.
Martha Cecilia
MC
Echeverry
Adriana
A
Arango
Bibiana
B
Castro
German
G
Raigosa
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003105:Colombia / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017533:Marital Status; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000453:epidemiology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D000928:Antidepressive Agents