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BMC Women's Health
Published in: BMC Women's Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Factors associated with sexual dysfunction in Taiwanese females with rheumatoid arthritis

Authors: Miao-Chiu Lin, Ming-Chi Lu, Hanoch Livneh, Ning-Sheng Lai, How-Ran Guo, Tzung-Yi Tsai

Published in: BMC Women's Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may experience sexual dysfunction because of symptoms or adverse effects from treatments. Data on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in Asian females with RA issue are limited. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with FSD in Taiwanese patients with RA.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a purposive sampling method to recruit 195 females with RA from a single hospital in southern Taiwan. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained by review of medical records and a structured questionnaire. The Chinese version of the Female Sexual Function Index and the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire were also administered. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with FSD.

Results

The crude and age-standardized prevalence of FSD were 66.8% and 48.2%, respectively. Patients who were older, with a comorbid condition, with more depressive symptoms, and with greater disease activity had a significantly higher risk of FSD.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that FSD is more common in Taiwanese individuals with RA who have certain specific demographic and clinical characteristics. These findings may help to identify and facilitate the provision of appropriate interventions to ensure better sexual health in female patients with RA.
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Metadata
Title
Factors associated with sexual dysfunction in Taiwanese females with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors
Miao-Chiu Lin
Ming-Chi Lu
Hanoch Livneh
Ning-Sheng Lai
How-Ran Guo
Tzung-Yi Tsai
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Women's Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6874
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-017-0363-5

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