The Impact of Social Distancing Measures Due to COVID-19 Pandemic on Sexual Function and Relationship Quality of Couples in Greece

Paraskevi Sotiropoulou, MSc, PhD; Fotini Ferenidou, MD, PhD; Dimitra Owens, MSc; Ioulia Kokka, MSc; Eirini Minopoulou, MSc; Evangelia Koumantanou, MSc; Iliana Pavlopoulou; Panagiotis Apotsos, MSc; Maria Karvouni; Elli Koumantarou, MSc; Iraklis Mourikis, MD, PhD; Nikos Vaidakis, MD, PhD; Charalambos Papageorgiou, PhD

Sexual Medicine (Jun 2021)

The Impact of Social Distancing Measures Due to COVID-19 Pandemic on Sexual Function and Relationship Quality of Couples in Greece

Paraskevi Sotiropoulou, MSc, PhD,
Fotini Ferenidou, MD, PhD,
Dimitra Owens, MSc,
Ioulia Kokka, MSc,
Eirini Minopoulou, MSc,
Evangelia Koumantanou, MSc,
Iliana Pavlopoulou,
Panagiotis Apotsos, MSc,
Maria Karvouni,
Elli Koumantarou, MSc,
Iraklis Mourikis, MD, PhD,
Nikos Vaidakis, MD, PhD,
Charalambos Papageorgiou, PhD

Affiliations

Paraskevi Sotiropoulou, MSc, PhD: First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece. Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health
Fotini Ferenidou, MD, PhD: First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece. Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health
Dimitra Owens, MSc: First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece. Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health
Ioulia Kokka, MSc: First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece. Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health; Postgraduate Course of Science of Stress and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Corresponding Author: Ioulia Kokka, MSc, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, First Department of Psychiatry, Outpatient Clinic for Sexual Health, Eginition Hospital, 72-74 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens, Greece. Tel: (+30) 6979916128.
Eirini Minopoulou, MSc: First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece. Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health
Evangelia Koumantanou, MSc: First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece. Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health
Iliana Pavlopoulou: First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece. Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health
Panagiotis Apotsos, MSc: First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece. Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health
Maria Karvouni: First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece. Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health
Elli Koumantarou, MSc: First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece. Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health
Iraklis Mourikis, MD, PhD: First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece. Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health
Nikos Vaidakis, MD, PhD: First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece. Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health
Charalambos Papageorgiou, PhD: First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens, Greece. Outpatient Specialty Clinic for Sexual Health

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 9, no. 3
p. 100364

Abstract

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ABSTRACT: Introduction: Recent studies have reported that the quarantine imposed in several countries around the world due to Covid-19 affected the sexual function and relationship quality. On the March 23, 2020 the Greek government imposed a national quarantine to contain the spread of the pandemic. The impact of such conditions on sexual function and relationship quality of couples is unknown. Aim: To investigate sexual function and relationship quality of couples during the quarantine. Methods: An online anonymous survey was conducted one month post-impose of the quarantine, between the April 21 and the May 3, 2020. Adult respondents in a relationship completed a questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, structured inquiries regarding sexual activity and quality of relationship, anxiety level, and mood during the quarantine, as well as the IIEF and FSFI indices. Outcomes: Sexual function was assessed using the Greek versions of the FSFI and IIEF for females and males respectively. Sexual activity using 5 statements regarding frequency of sexual thoughts, masturbation, and intercourse, quality of intercourse and general estimation of the level of sexual function. Participants graded their level of agreement. Relationship quality was assessed using 5 questions regarding communication, company, understanding, tension and general estimation of companionship. Participants graded their level of agreement. Two additional statements were used in order to evaluate mood and the level of anxiety. Results: A sum of 299 adult heterosexual participants in a relationship participated. Little or no negative impact on sexual function was reported. Increased anxiety and deficient mood were reported only for those with no access to their partner. Being in a steady relationship and living with their partner, but only for couples without children, resulted in satisfaction by sexual activity and enhanced emotional security. Conclusion: Sexual function and relationship quality appeared as not affected by the quarantine and by the measures of social distancing. Sotiropoulou P, Ferenidou F, Owens D, et al. The Impact of Social Distancing Measures Due to COVID-19 Pandemic on Sexual Function and Relationship Quality of Couples in Greece. Sex Med 2021;9:100364.

Published in Sexual Medicine

ISSN: 2050-1161 (Online)
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Medicine
Website: https://academic.oup.com/smoa

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