“I did not know it was a medical condition”: Predictors, severity and help seeking behaviors of women with female sexual dysfunction in the Volta region of Ghana

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226404
• Publication Date: 2020-01-13T18:37:15Z
• Authors: Bolade Ibine; Linda Sefakor Ame...; Maxfield Okere; Martina Anto-Ocrah
• Keywords: Adult; Adolescent; Science; Q; Emotions; R; Middle Aged; Ghana; Severity of Illness Index; 3. Good health; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Young Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Help-Seeking Behavior; Logistic Models; 5. Gender equality; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Medicine; Humans; Female; 10. No inequality; Research Article

The study's main objective was to describe the prevalence and severity of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) amongst a group Ghanaian women in outpatient setting predominantly rural Volta region Ghana. Additionally we determine predictors FSD care seeking behaviors with condition.This cross sectional study conducted Ho Teaching Hospital rural-savannah, agro-ecological zone Region, Ghana.FSD assessed using Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. defined cutoff ≤23 so as not under-estimate this conservative setting. FSFI score >23 designated "no FSD". We further categorized having mild (FSFI Total 18-23), moderate <18 >10) or severe ≤10) FSD. Due sample size restrictions, combined groups our analyses "moderate/severe FSD" an < 18. Participants were asked indicate whether they sought help for their conditions, reasons help, types sought. used p<0.05 statistical significance all logistic regression models crude age-adjusted effect estimates.FSD Prevalence: Out 407 approached, 300 (83.8%) agreed consented participate study. 48.3% (n = 145). Compared those without FSD, over third resided settings (37.90% vs 20.60%; p 0.001) tended be multiparous, significantly greater proportion at least three children (31.70% 18.10%; 0.033). Severity: Over quarter (27.6%, n 40) met cut-off In models, lubrication disorder associated 45 times odds moderate/severe (age-adj. OR: 45.38, 95% CI: 8.37, 246.00; p<0.001), pain 17times 17.18, 4.50, 65.50; p<0.001) satisfaction almost 5times 4.69, 1.09, 20.2; 0.04). 1-3 children, nulliparous had 3.5 higher well OR:3.51, CI:1.37,8.98; 0.009). FSD-related Health Seeking Behaviors: Statistically significant included 5.91, CI:1.29, 27.15; 0.02), ≥4 6.29, 95%CI: 1.53, 25.76; 0.01). Of who seven 10 formal from healthcare provider, General Practitioners preferred Gynecologist. About one 3 (31.3%) did seek indicated that know medical condition, (28.9%) "thought it normal" have interestingly, 14.1% think provider would able provide them assistance.Sexual dysfunctions are prevalent yet taboo subjects many countries, including Awareness raising efforts feminize physician workforce necessary meet needs vulnerable members society.