EFFECT OF FAMILY SIZE AND PLACE OF RESIDENCE ON SEXUAL ACTIVITY RESUMPTION IN WOMEN AFTER CHILDBIRTH

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of social factors such as living in rural versus urban area or in an extended versus nuclear family regarding female sexuality in the postpartum period. In this cross-sectional study 113 women took part. They filled-out a questionnaire that contained sociodemographic questions about their marital status, place of residence, number of family members, and questions about sexual intercourses after giving birth. They were also asked about the frequency, time elapsed until resuming sexual intercourse, and presence of dyspareunia. Time period from giving birth until resuming sexual intercourse was 8 weeks on average. Place of residence (median test: χ²(2)=3.3, p>0.05) and number of household members (median test: χ²(4)=0.87, p>0.05 for number of household members) had no effect on that time period. There was no significant difference in the frequency of sexual intercourse between women living in urban and rural area (χ²-test(1)=0.03, p>0.05). Women in larger families were more sexually active in comparison to women in smaller families (χ²-test(2)=9.08, p<0.05). Dyspareunia was reported by 41.3% of study women. Sexuality of women in the postpartum period is liable to social effects. Social support of family members has a greater impact on sexuality in the postpartum period than other social factors such as place of residence. Besides support of close family members, women in that period should have organized social protection and access to information.