Sexual and sleep disorders in male patients with rheumatoid arthritis - High disease activity and functional disability are associated factors.

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease of autoimmune origin and occurs most frequently between the ages of 40 and 60. RA is associated with comorbidities such as sexual disorders and sleep disorders that affect the patient's quality of life. Objective: To evaluate the associated risk factors and prevalence of sexual and sleep disorders in male patients with RA. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study. 273 men diagnosed with RA were included, who were evaluated by psychology and diagnosed with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Results: The prevalence of sexual disorders was 37.7% (103/273) with a median age of 61 years (Interquartile range [IQR]: 55-65) (p = 0.058). Regarding sleep disorders, a prevalence of 30.7% (84/273) was observed with a median age of 62 years (IQR: 58-67) (p<0.001). An association was observed between the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension (20.3% vs. 10.6%, p = 0.025), autoimmune comorbidities (78.6% vs. 59.4%, p = 0.001) with sexual disorders. Conclusion: Sexual and sleep disorders are present in a third of male patients with RA. An association was found between age and the presence of autoimmune comorbidities with sexual and sleep disorders.The management of sexual and sleep disorders should be part of a comprehensive management scheme in RA.

Keywords

• rheumatoid arthritis
• sexual dysfunction
• sleep disorders