Relationship between General Health Indices and Sexual Dysfunction in Women Experiencing Spousal Abuse.

BACKGROUND Sexual behavior is among the complex dimensions of humans. Various factors are effective in sexual function. Sexual dysfunction affects people's mental health. OBJECTIVES The present study aims to determine the relationship between general health indices and sexual dysfunction among the women referring to Shiraz Forensic Medicine Center, Iran. METHODS This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 197 women experiencing spousal abuse who had referred to Shiraz Forensic Medicine Center in 2014. The data were collected using demographic information questionnaire, a questionnaire assessing violence against women, general health questionnaire (GHQ-28), and female sexual function index (FSFI). The data were entered into SPSS statistical software and analyzed using t-test, Chi-square test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and regression analysis. RESULTS Based on the results, 91.9% of the participants had sexual dysfunction and 85.3% had mental disorders. Besides, a significant relationship was found between sexual dysfunction and somatic symptoms (P=0.027), anxiety and insomnia (P=0.004), as well as overall general health (P=0.041). Also, the results of Pearson's correlation test revealed significant associations between various dimensions of sexual dysfunction and general health. CONCLUSION According to the results, physical and mental health seems to play a critical role in determining sexual dysfunction. Thus, the identification and treatment of physical and mental disorders are recommended for the patients suffering from sexual dysfunction.