Prevalence of sexual dysfunction and the associated factors among postpartum women who visit Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia in 2024: a facility-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunction is a common yet often neglected issue affecting the quality of life of postpartum women. It encompasses problems with desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain. The postpartum period is the transition from pregnancy and childbirth back to a non-pregnant physiological state and this change may affect a woman's sexual health. So, the aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and associated factors among postpartum women in Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 18 March 2024 to 18 May 2024 on postpartum women. A total of 420 participants were included in the study who had been selected using systematic random sampling technique. A pretested and semistructured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data that consisted of sociodemographic, obstetric-related, gynaecological-related, psychosocial factors to assess the associated factors and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction. Epi-data V.4.6 and SPSS V.27 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Sexual dysfunction was declared if the FSFI score was less than or equal to 26.5. The Patient Health Questionnaire tool was used to assess the psychosocial factor, and depression was declared if the score was greater than or equal to 10. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction and all variables with a p value of ≤0.2 in the bivariable analysis were entered to multivariable logistic regression for further analysis, considering the association to be significant p values <0.05 at 95% CI. Result: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among postpartum women visiting Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital was 51.7% (95% CI 47.1% to 56.9%). Being employed (vs housewife) (adjusted OR, AOR=3.21, 95% CI 1.47 to 6.99), having an adverse pregnancy outcome (AOR=3.34, 95% CI 1.98 to 5.62), perineal tear (AOR=2.17, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.83) and depression (AOR=2.78, 95% CI 1.66 to 4.66) were significantly associated with sexual dysfunction. Conclusions: A high prevalence of sexual dysfunction was observed among postpartum women. Adverse pregnancy outcome, perineal tear, being employed and depression significantly increased the likelihood of postpartum sexual dysfunction. We recommend developing sexual health strategies, including the integration of routine sexual health assessments into postpartum care. Particular attention should be given to women with depression, adverse pregnancy outcomes, perineal trauma and those returning to work.