Assessment Of Sexual Functioning and Its Association with the Quality of Life Among Menopausal Women in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, when menstrual periods stop due to hormonal changes. These changes can affect not only physical health but also emotional well-being and sexual functioning, ultimately affecting a woman’s overall quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the association between sexual functioning and quality of life among menopausal women in Pakistan.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in five towns of Karachi, Pakistan, from June 2023 to February 2024. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) were employed to assess the sexual functioning of menopausal women and their association with their quality of life.

Results: A total of 390 menopausal women participated in this study. The mean of the total FSFI score was calculated to be 18.58 ± 4.89, suggesting mild to moderate female sexual functioning among the menopausal women. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between total FSFI scores and all four WHOQOL-BREF domains (Physical Health: r = 0.621; Psychological Health: r = 0.488; Social Relations: r = 0.662; Environment: r = 0.601; all p < 0.01). Psychological health showed a notable positive correlation with sexual satisfaction (r = 0.371, p < 0.01), and pain during intercourse was negatively associated with physical and psychological health domains.

Conclusion: This study highlighted the importance of incorporating both psychological and sexual well-being into healthcare interventions for Pakistani women undergoing menopause to ensure a better quality of life.