Sexual dysfunction in reproductive-aged latinx females: insights from environment, leiomyomas, latinas, and adiposity study (ellas)

To assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and demographic associations in reproductive aged Latinx females using data from the Environment, Leiomyoma, Latinas and Adiposity Study (ELLAS). ELLAS is a prospective cohort study conducted in Michigan following reproductive aged Latinx females. All participants were between the ages of 21-50 at the time of consent. Study participants completed interviewer administered surveys in which demographic, medical, and reproductive histories were collected. The Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) was self administered. FSFI is a validated survey which asks 19 close-ended questions across six domains related to an individual’s sexual activity (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain) within the last 4 weeks. The scores can range from 2-36 and a score ≤ 26 is used as the cutoff to indicate clinically relevant sexual dysfunction. Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate associations of interest. A total of 704 participants are enrolled in ELLAS and 231 completed the FSFI survey. Of those who completed the FSFI, mean age was 38.3 ± 6.85, mean gravidity was 3.3 ± 1.69, and mean BMI was 30.5 ± 6.44. 89.6% of participants reported being married or in a relationship. The FSFI total scores ranged from 2.0-28.5. The mean score was 20.2 ± 5.29. 95% of participants had a FSFI total score ≤ 26, a score which indicates clinically relevant sexual dysfunction. Patients’ FSFI scores had a significant negative association with gravidity (β=-0.52, p=0.03). Patients in age group 31-40 (β=1.72, p=0.04) and those who are married (β=6.54, p<0.001) or in a relationship (β=7.30, p<0.001) were more likely to report higher FSFI scores. Of the 6 domains of sexual dysfunction assessed by the FSFI survey, “satisfaction” was the largest contributor to sexual dysfunction in this cohort. These findings suggest a high rate of sexual dysfunction in reproductive-aged Latinx females.Sexual dysfunction was significantly associated with age, gravidity and current relationship status in this population. Low satisfaction was the largest contributor to sexual dysfunction, suggesting a desire for improved sexual experience in this cohort. Future studies are needed to identify why this population has a high rate of sexual dysfunction and subsequent opportunities for intervention(s).