Publication:

Non-disabled and disabled women sexual health comparison

Background Disabled women constitute approximately 16% of all women in Europe. Regardless of disability level women are interested in maintaining sexual activity. The study aim was to compare, understand if there are sexual health disparities between disabled women and non-disabled women.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in non-governmental associations and the general practitioner's office in Latvia from November 2018 to January 2019. Data were collected from self-filled questionnaires of 34 DW and 34 NDW.

Results The mean age of NDW was 32 years and 43 years for DW. 73.5% of DW and 41.2% of NDW were partially satisfied with their sex life, p=0.009. 47.1% of DW and 32.4% of NDW admitted having an irregular sex life, p=0.002. 58.8% of NDW and 29.4% of DW had last sexual intercourse within 6 days period, p=0.011. 67.6% NDW and 20.6% DW thought their sex life will improve in future, p=0.001. 70.6% of DW was interested in maintaining sexual relations as well as 91.2% of NDW. 20.6% of DW was interested in maintaining sexual relationships but less than before disability. 29.4% of respondents from both groups noted that the level of disability or other health disorders had little impact on their sexual health. 8.8% of disabled women and 2.9% of non-disabled women had severe symptoms of depression.

Conclusions The study demonstrated that NDW had regular sex life and were more satisfied with it than DW. Regardless of the state of health women were interested in maintaining sexual activity.