Sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunction in midlife Singaporean women: A prospective cross-sectional study of prevalence and risk factors

Abstract Objectives To examine factors relating to both sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunction in midlife Singaporean women. Study design Sociodemographic, medical/lifestyle factors, physical activity, BMI, handgrip strength (HGS) and physical performance data collected from healthy Chinese, Indian, and Malay women, aged 45–69 years, attending gynaecology clinics. Main outcome measures Sexual inactivity and sexual dysfunction (defined as total score ≤ 26.55) assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Results 1048 women completed the FSFI. Mean (±SD) age was 56.2 (±6.2). Sexual inactivity was reported by 43.2% and was positively associated with older age [55-64 years (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3-3.0) and ≥65 years (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.1)], younger menarche (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.5), lowest education (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.6), lowest income (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.8), unmarried (aOR 4.0, 95% CI 2.6-6.4), nulliparity (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.4), and BMI Conclusion This, the largest Singaporean sexual function study, is the first to include physical performance in a healthy population. Most were sexually active but reported dysfunction. Novel associations included underweight BMI with sexual inactivity and weaker HGS and Malay ethnicity with greater and less sexual dysfunction, respectively.