Sexual dysfunction and associated factors among patients with epilepsy at Amanuel Mental Specialty Hospital, Addis Ababa – Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background Many patients with chronic illness have sexual dysfunction that may be related to the condition itself, drug side effects, emotional sequel, or a combination of those factors. Patients with epilepsy are no exception. Men and women with epilepsy are frequently complaining sexual dysfunction and they appear to have a higher incidence of sexual dysfunction than peoples with other chronic neurologic illness. These problems can have a substantial impact on their sexuality thus; it needs careful study and evaluation. Methods Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from January to July, 2016 among Patient with Epilepsy at Amanuel Mental Specialty Hospital. Interviewer administered Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ-14) was used in order to assess the sexual problems. Finally, the data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) V-20. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to describe the variables. Levels of significance of association determined at 51, depression, being out of relationship or not satisfied with non-sexual aspect of relationship, being jobless and khat use has positive association with sexual dysfunction. By the other side alcohol use, level of education & age groups 18–21 years associated negatively. Conclusions The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among patients with epilepsy is very high; its prevalence is more among males than females. Sexual arousal problem and sexual pain problem were the most and the least prevalent sexual dysfunctions respectively.

Keywords

• Sexual dysfunction
• Epilepsy
• Ethiopia
• Amanuel hospital