Factors influencing sexual interest in postmenopausal Asian women
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2024
Abstract
Background The sexual interest of postmenopausal women is a crucial aspect of their overall well-being. Despite its importance, factors influencing postmenopausal sexual interest, particularly in Asian women, remain understudied and poorly understood.Aims To investigate the various factors influencing sexual interest in postmenopausal women in Malaysia.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted of postmenopausal women attending a gynecology or primary care clinic in a teaching hospital in Malaysia.Outcomes We investigated how interpersonal dynamics and cultural norms-including the physical and mental health of women and their partners, as well as their sexual values-affect menopausal sexual interest as measured by the Menopausal Sexual Interest Questionnaire.Results Women in the study reported an average sexual interest, with a mean score of 32.8 (SD, 9.4) out of 70 on the Menopausal Sexual Interest Questionnaire. Multivariable analysis results showed that higher personal sexual values (odds ratio OR], 2.65; 95% CI, 1.26-5.61) and spousal sexual values (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.22-5.86) were significantly associated with higher menopausal sexual interest. There was a positive correlation between the physical fitness of spouses and menopausal sexual interest, with women who rated their spouses as very fit or fit (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.15-9.00) or moderately fit (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.05-6.63) showing higher menopausal sexual interest as compared with those whose spouses were very unfit or unfit. Women with normal stress levels (OR, 5.89; 95% CI, 1.03-33.62) and mild to moderate stress levels (OR, 8.13; 95% CI, 1.53-43.22) reported higher menopausal sexual interest.Clinical Implications This study emphasizes a holistic approach to postmenopausal sexual health, highlighting the significance of promoting positive sexual values, improving physical fitness, and managing stress. Health care providers should educate, counsel, and collaborate interdisciplinarily, ensuring culturally sensitive care tailored to individual needs.Strength and Limitations The study's strength lies in its provision of valuable insights into factors affecting sexual interest among postmenopausal Asian women, enhancing comprehension of holistic sexual health approaches. However, reliance on self-assessments may introduce response bias influenced by social desirability, and limited generalizability stems from single-site data collection.Conclusion Our study highlights the significance of adopting a holistic approach to addressing sexual health in postmenopausal women, which includes promoting positive sexual values, improving physical fitness, and managing stress.
Keywords
sexual interest, postmenopause, Asian women, menopausal symptoms
Divisions
fac_med,nursing,obstetrics,Socialprevent
Funders
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya
Publication Title
Journal of Sexual Medicine
Volume
21
Issue
11
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Location
GREAT CLARENDON ST, OXFORD OX2 6DP, ENGLAND