Relationship Between Sexual Attitude and Sexual Function Among Iranian Women and Men During Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Sexual function is considered an essential criterion for enhancing the quality of life, encompassing not only the genital component but also mental and physical factors. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between sexual attitude and sexual function among Iranian women and men during pregnancy. METHODS: A total of 404 participants, including 240 pregnant women and 164 spouses, who visited health centers affiliated with Tabriz University of Medical Sciences between February 2023 and August 2023. To collect data, the study utilized the socio-demographic questionnaire, the Attitude Scale toward Sexuality during Pregnancy (AStSdP), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The Pearson correlation test was used for bivariate analysis, while a General Linear Model (GLM) was applied for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 404 participants were included in the study, with a response rate of 100% (240/240) in women and 68.3% (164/240) in men. The results indicated that 65% (95% CI: 59.0%-71.0%) of women (156/240) and 15.9% (95% CI: 10.3%-21.4%) of men (26/164) experienced sexual dysfunction. According to Pearson correlation test, there was a significant positive correlation between the total sexual attitude scores and its subscales with the total sexual function scores among couples (p < 0.001). The results of the GLM, indicated that total sexual attitude score, marital satisfaction, and job were significantly associated with sexual function scores in both women and men. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study showed that nearly half of the couples had a positive sexual attitude toward sexual activity during pregnancy. However, a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction was observed, providing accurate information and counseling by reproductive health and midwifery specialists may be associated with improved sexual function during pregnancy.