Predictors of women’s sexual quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic: An Iranian cross-sectional study

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the predictors of women’s sexual quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 536 married women participated in a cross-sectional study utilizing convenience online sampling. Data were collected using a battery of psychometric scales and analyzed using stepwise multivariable linear regression. There was no significant difference in the female sexual quality of life based on COVID-19 infectious status (p = 0.92). Having independent living conditions (β = 0.49), less psychological distress (β = –0.42), higher frequency of monthly sexual intercourse (β = 0.20), and less sexual distress (β = –0.14) were significant predictors of good sexual quality of life among females. The findings indicate that reducing psychological and sexual distress would likely improve women’s sexual quality of life.

LAY SUMMARY

In survey of 536 married women, no significant difference was found in the female sexual quality of life based on COVID-19 infectious status. Having independent living conditions, less psychological distress, higher frequency of monthly sexual intercourse, and less sexual distress were significant predictors of their good sexual quality of life.

Keywords:

• sexual quality of life
• psychological distress
• sexual distress
• married women
• COVID-19 pandemic

Disclosure statement

None to declare

Data availability

Dataset is shared via Mendeley data repository system with DOI: 10.17632/mvm7wrgv7m.1

Additional information

Funding

The present study was financially supported by the Vice-chancellor (Research) of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. The funding body had no role in the design of the study, collection, analysis, interpretation of data and writing the manuscript.

Notes on contributors

Mahshid Khorshidi

Mahshid Khorshidi is currently an M.Sc. student in Midwifery Counseling, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. This paper is derived from her Master’s Thesis to fulfill the requirements for being graduated as a Midwifery counselor. She was graduated as Bachelor Midwife from Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. Her research interest is sexual health.

Zainab Alimoradi

Dr. Zainab Alimoradi currently is Associate Professor of Midwifery and Reproductive Health at Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. She is supervisor and advisor of several theses in midwifery counseling. Also she is Director of Social Determinants of Health Research Center. She is interested in sexual and reproductive health, adolescent’s health and social determinants of health with over 80 related peer-reviewed research papers. She has contributed as author in nine books.

Nasim Bahrami

Dr. Nasim Bahrami is currently Associate Professor of Midwifery and Reproductive Health at Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. She is supervisor and advisor of several theses in midwifery counseling. She is interested in sexual and reproductive health, adolescent’s health and qualitative research.

Mark D. Griffiths

Dr. Mark Griffiths is a Chartered Psychologist and Distinguished Professor of Behavioural Addiction at the Nottingham Trent University, and Director of the International Gaming Research Unit. He is internationally known for his work into behavioral addictions. He has published over 1300 peer-reviewed research papers, six books, ans over 180 book chapters. He has won 24 national and international awards for his research.