Quality Of Sexual Life In Adult And Elderly Female College Students From A University In Amazon

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Female sexual function arises from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Few Brazilian studies have addressed sexuality in the elderly population — 10–20% of individuals are sexually active. OBJECTIVES: To compare the overall quality of sexual life and its domains in adult and elderly female college students. METHODS: Female students from the University of Amapá, Brazil, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The Female Sexual Quotient (FSQ) questionnaire was used to assess various components of quality of sexual life in adult (34–59 years old) and elderly (60–79 years old) students. The study was approved by the institutional review board. RESULTS: A total of 123, of which 49.6% were married, participated in this study. Mean FSQ score for the elderly group was (n=66) 61.5, classified as “average” and for the adult group 71.6, classified as “partially satisfied” (p < 0.01). Statistically significant differences between adults and elderly groups were also observed for two FSQ domains: “foreplay quality” (p < 0.001), and “objective arousal and harmony with the partner” betters in the adults group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this sample, elderly college student showed worst FSQ scores when compared to the adult ones at the same university. Compared to adult women, the quality of sexual life varies more in elderly, probably reflecting age-related morbidities as well as their partners’ health. Adult women report foreplay quality being a strong motivation to continue having sex. In the elderly students, sexual arousal is mainly affected by a lack of vaginal lubrication, which is explained primarily by menopause.

Keywords

• quality of life
• sexual health
• women’s health