Correlation between general health and sexual function in older women in an Iranian setting

The world's population is aging and this trend continues. Older adults are living healthier and longer than in the last decades and their sexual function should also be considered along with their general health. This study aimed to examine the correlation between general health and sexual function in elderly women.

In this cross-sectional correlation study, 1245 women over 60 years old were selected in Ardabil health-care centers by a convenient sampling method. Demographic data of all participants were noted and general health and sexual function were evaluated by the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) Questionnaire.

The participants' mean ± standard deviation age was 75.1 ± 7.2 years, most of the women (40.08%) were illiterate, and the majority of them were living with their married (44.81%) or single children (27.14%). The general health score for 380 older women (30.52%) was under 22 (healthy). About 60% of the women had engaged in sexual activity during the past 4 weeks, and the total mean score of FSFI was 17.36 ± 1.44. In addition, 84.33% of the women had sexual dysfunction (FSFI < 26.55). The age (P < 0.05), educational level (P < 0.001), living with children (P < 0.01), and general health status (P < 0.01) were found to be significantly related to sexual function. The total scores for FSFI and the scores for all domains except for satisfaction were in positive correlation with the score for the total and all domains of general health (P < 0.001).

Sexual function in elderly women is affected by several factors, such as general health. Therefore, to promote successful aging in women, sexual function and general health require more attention when implementing women's health initiatives.