Authors: Djrolo F, Gninkoun CJ, Gbessoua ML, Hounnou M, Fanou J.
Diabetic complications occur in both sexes but impaired sexual function in people with diabetes, largely debated in men, is less documented in women.
Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes and to investigate associated factors.
Patients and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, Women living with diabetes attending the outpatient diabetes center of Cotonou completed the validated questionnaires of the Female Sexual Function Index. After clinical examination, Medical records of patients were consulted to complete information on the diabetes, its control and complications. Square Chi test was used for statistical analysis. Difference observed were considered significant for p<0.05.
Results: A total of 184 women with diabetes were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 52.9 ± 10.3 years with extremes of 24 and 80 years. The mean duration of the diabetes was 6.9 ± 5.8 years (extremes: one month and 27 years.
The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 84.2% (155/184).
Factors associated with high prevalence of sexual dysfunction were age of patient higher or equal to 50 years (p=0.003), low instruction level (p=0.03), low monthly income (p=0.04), Parity or gestity higher or equal to 4 (p=0.01), high blood pressure (p=0.0001), the presence of neuropathy (p=0.013), diabetes duration higher or equal to 5 years (p=0.007).
There was no association of sexual dysfunction with body mass index or with central obesity.
In multivariate analysis, only diabetes duration and gestity remained significantly associated with sexual dysfunction.
Conclusion: Sexual function impairment is very frequent in women with diabetes but not often investigated. It can constitute a major cause of alteration of quality of life. More attention must be paid to this condition in clinical practice.
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