Sexual Dysfunction in Croatian Patients with Obesity

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Obesity is frequently associated with sexual dysfunction (SD).
• Limited data exists on SD prevalence in obese populations in Croatia.
• This study aimed to investigate SD symptoms in Croatian obese patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence and characteristics of sexual dysfunction symptoms in obese patients in Croatia.
• To explore correlations between sexual dysfunction and demographic/clinical factors.
• To provide insights into the psychological comorbidities associated with sexual dysfunction in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary healthcare center in Zagreb, Croatia.
• 103 obese patients (mean BMI 40.42) assessed using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and a custom questionnaire.
• Statistical analysis included t-tests, chi-squared tests, and Pearson's correlations.

Main Results:

• Sexual dysfunction symptoms were identified in a significant portion of obese patients, with higher prevalence in women.
• ASEX scores correlated significantly with depression (r=0.22), anxiety (r=0.2), age (r=0.31), mobility issues (r=0.25), and pain/uneasiness (r=0.22).
• While some patients exhibited pronounced SD symptoms, the overall median response suggested moderate symptom expression.

Conclusions:

• Sexual dysfunction symptoms are a notable concern in obese patients in Croatia, particularly among women.
• The findings highlight the significant association between sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety in this cohort.
• Further research is warranted to understand and address the multifaceted nature of sexual dysfunction in obesity.