Sexual functioning of Latino women seeking outpatient gynecologic care

A sample of Latino women from an ambulatory obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) clinic were queried about their sexual functioning using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14).

To assess the degree of self-reported sexual complaints in a sample of Latino women living in the United States; to assess if the prevalence of symptoms differs from one study of women living in Spain; and to determine if sexual complaints were associated with demographics, sexual/reproductive history, selected medications, or religious practices.

CSFQ-14 scores and demographic variables.

CSFQ-14 questionnaire in an out-patient, bilingual Ob/Gyn clinic in Central Virginia.

Seventy-one native Spanish-speaking patients (59% born in Mexico) completed the U.S. Spanish version of the CSFQ-14 and a short questionnaire for potential covariates. The mean age was 28.7 years (range 17-60). Birth place was outside of the United States for 95.8% (N = 67). Eighty percent of participants had children and 96% reported being currently sexually active. Low sexual functioning, as defined by a total CSFQ score of < or = 41, was found in 26 (41.3%) participants. Taking medication for depression and/or anxiety was associated with lower sexual functioning (P = 0.03). Women who had children of any age living in the household were less likely to report low sexual functioning (P = 0.05; P = 0.01 when restricted to infants) than women without children living in the household. Thirteen of 68 women (19.1%) reported a history of physical and/or sexual abuse, but this was not associated with low sexual functioning. There was no association between self-reported religious affiliation or church attendance frequency and sexual complaints. Respondents in our sample had lower (i.e., worse sexual function) overall CSFQ scores compared with a sample of college students in Spain (P < 0.01), but higher (i.e., better sexual function) overall scores than workers in Spain (P < 0.04). On the subscales, our Latino population reported greater pleasure and less desire/interest than women who live in Spain.

Self-reported rates of low sexual functioning were common in this cross section of Latino women. Medical treatment of depression and/or anxiety was associated with lower functioning. Direct inquiry about the sexual health of U.S. Latino women presenting for routine health care may assist in the identification of sexual difficulties in this population.