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Published on: May 31, 2021
Influence of body self-perception on the sexual functioning of adult women
Isabel Navarro-López1, María Del Carmen de Diego-Castell2, Juan José Criado-Álvarez3
1Enfermera Especialista en Ginecología y Obstetricia (Matrona), Centro de Salud Río Tajo, Gerencia de Atención Integrada de Talavera de la Reina, C/ Viena 1, Talavera de la Reina, 45600, Toledo, Spain.
Objective:
Sexuality is a fundamental human characteristic influenced by a multitude of factors, including body image self-perception. Women are more vulnerable to alterations in their body image, a factor that can affect their sexual health. This study analysed the association between body image self-perception and female sexual function in a sample of adult women residing in Talavera de la Reina health area (Toledo, Spain).
Method:
An observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 420 participants selected through age-stratified sampling. The Body Shape Questionnaire -BSQ-14- and The Female Sexual Function Index -FSFI- were administered. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed, associations were examined using parametric tests and Pearson correlation coefficients, and regression models were applied to identify associated factors, with 95% confidence intervals.
Results:
Findings indicate that greater body satisfaction is associated with better sexual function, showing a weak but statistically significant correlation (p < .01). Sociodemographic factors such as age, body mass index, menopause, and the presence of chronic diseases also influence sexual function and body image self-perception.
Conclusions:
The influence of body self-perception on female sexual function requires a comprehensive approach to women's sexual health, in which midwives and primary care nurses play an essential role in sexual education programmes, prevention, and the management of sexual dysfunctions.
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