Sexual function of undergraduate women: a comparative study between Brazil and Italy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the sexual function of Italian and Brazilian nursing students using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), to estimate the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions and related factors. METHOD: this is a cross-sectional study involving 84 Brazilian and 128 Italian undergraduate. For the evaluation of sexual function, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was used. RESULTS: Italian women presented significantly higher sexual dysfunction index (n=78/60.9%) than the Brazilian women (n=32/38.1%) (p=0.00). Only the "desire" and "excitation" domains showed no difference between groups. Younger, single and without a steady relationship women had a higher rate of sexual dysfunction (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: the high rate of sexual dysfunction in a young public suggests the need for more research to increase knowledge about the influence of psychosocial and related factors on female sexual function, directing care towards the promotion of sexual and reproductive health.