Sexual function of diabetic and nondiabetic African American women: a pilot study

This study explored differences in sexual function of diabetic and nondiabetic African American Women. Using the Watts Sexual Function Questionnaire (WSFQ) to measure components of sexual function, diabetic women disclosed significantly lower levels of sexual desire (p < .02) than control subjects. Both groups were similar in reports of sexual arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction. For diabetics, clinical and metabolic indices such as length of time as a diabetic and level of glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb-A1C) were not related to sexual function. A significant positive relationship was noted between sexual satisfaction and body mass index (BMI) (p < .03). With regard to age, both groups showed significant negative relationships between age and sexual arousal; whereas for diabetics, significant negative correlations were also found between age and sexual desire (p < .01) and orgasm (p < .05). These findings indicate that maintenance of sexual desire may be problematic for diabetics. Being overweight was not a deterrent to sexual satisfaction. Sexual performance problems are more likely to occur for the aging African American woman with diabetes.