Prevalence and factors associated with sexual dysfunction among HIV-positive women in Europe

• Published in: AIDS care 2004-07, Vol.16 (5), p.550-557
• Main Authors: Florence, E., Schrooten, W., Dreezen, C., Gordillo, V., Schönnesson, L. Nilsson, Asboe, D., Koitz, G., Colebunders, R., the Eurosupport Study Group
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; AIDS; AIDS/HIV; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression; Europe; Europe - epidemiology; Female; Health care; HIV; HIV Infections - drug therapy; HIV Infections - psychology; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Medical treatment; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Psychological aspects; Psychology; Psychosociology; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior - psychology; Sexual disorders; Sexual dysfunction; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - epidemiology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Women
• ISSN: 0954-0121; 1360-0451
• DOI: 10.1080/09540120410001716333

Little is known on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) among HIV-positive women. A cross-sectional survey in seven European HIV centres was performed and data on medical history, antiretroviral treatment and laboratory results were collected. Sexual function was evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The data from 166 women were available (response rate=77%). The non-respondents had a lower CD4 cell count, were older and more frequently of sub-Saharan African origin. The overall median FSFI was 25.2 (interquartile range=19.3). Thirty-six women (25%) had a FSFI score≤10. Depression, irritability and anxiety were associated with a low FSFI score. The participants reported a significant decrease in sex functioning since HIV diagnosis but not since the start of antiretroviral treatment. Sexual dysfunction in women with HIV infection is frequent and is mainly driven by psychological factors and by the HIV diagnosis.