Sexuality in Brazilian women aged 40 to 65 years with 11 years or more of formal education

• DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31813c687d
• Publication Date: 2009-03-05T16:27:13Z
• Authors: Ana L. Valadares; Aarão M. Pinto-Neto; Maria J. Osis; Délio M. Conde; Maria H. Sousa; Lúcia Costa-Paiva
• Keywords: Orgasm; Cross-sectional study

In Brief Objective: To evaluate factors associated with the sexuality of middle-aged women. Design: Cross-sectional, population-based survey using an anonymous self-response questionnaire. A total 276 Brazilian-born women, 40 to 65 years old at least 11 formal education, participated in study. The evaluation instrument was based on Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire. Seven components were analyzed: satisfaction sexual activities, orgasm, intensity desire, self-classification life, frequency arousal, activity, and fantasies. Sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, reproductive evaluated. Data analyzed χ2 Fisher exact tests Poisson multiple regression analysis. Prevalence ratios (PRs) their 95% CIs calculated. Results: median score 9 (range, 2.45-13.77). Bivariate analysis indicated that being 50 age or older; menopausal transition postmenopause; not having a partner; reporting hot flushes, insomnia, depression, nervousness, sedentary lifestyle, arterial hypertension, urinary incontinence; poor self-perception health significantly below score. Multiple showed prevalence scores higher older women (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.03, CI: 1.01-1.05) those insomnia (PR 1.46, 1.08-1.96). Having partner 0.68, 0.50-0.92) feeling well 0.73, 0.57-0.94) protective effect against Conclusions: Older more likely have low score, whereas who felt less This evaluates Findings show this carried out Brazil, found poorer sexuality.