Hypoactive sexual desire disorder in a population-based study of Brazilian women: associated factors classified according to their importance.
OBJECTIVE
The etiology of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is known to be multifactorial, involving biological, psychosexual, and context-related factors. The objective of the present study was to analyze the factors associated with female HSDD and to stratify these factors according to their importance.


METHODS
This was a population-based, hierarchical study conducted in Brazil, based on data from previous research on the Brazilian Sexual Life Study, conducted between November 2002 and February 2003 in various Brazilian cities. The primary study consisted of a self-administered and anonymous questionnaire, addressing sociodemographic parameters, general health, life habits, behavior, and complaints related to sexual function. The association between HSDD and various other factors was assessed. The data were evaluated by hierarchical multiple regression analysis.


RESULTS
The prevalence of HSDD in this sample was 9.5%. Associations were found with cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, posttraumatic stress, poorer education level, being older, being married, a lack of information on sexuality in childhood/adolescence, and a limited sexual repertoire. Women who consumed moderate amounts of alcohol were found to be less likely to have HSDD.


CONCLUSIONS
Analysis of the associated factors classified in order of importance and analysis of the characteristics of the sexual relationships provide additional information to currently available data on the traditional concepts of HSDD.
Abdo
Carmita H N
CH
Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil. carmita.abdo@uol.com.br
Valadares
Ana L R
AL
Oliveira
Waldemar M
WM
Scanavino
Marco T
MT
Afif-Abdo
João
J
D022126:Access to Information; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult