Socialeconomic factors, lifestyle habits, and the health of older women with and without sexual experience in a municipality in the interior of Minas Gerais

Abstract

Objective To assess and compare socioeconomic factors, lifestyle habits, and the health of older women with and without sexual experience. Method A quantitative, analytical, observational, and cross-sectional population-based study was conducted. Participants were divided into two groups: the CVS group (with sexual experience) and the SVS group (without sexual experience), based on the question: "Do you have an active sexual life?". Socioeconomic variables, sleep patterns, comorbidities, and the level of physical activity were analyzed using a question from the SRQ-20, a list based on the Work Ability Index, and the long version of the IPAQ, respectively. Descriptive analysis was performed using absolute frequencies and percentages. Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and multiple linear regression were used with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results The total sample consisted of 494 older women, with 100 of them in the CVS group. Having a stable partner (p<0.0001), a younger age (p<0.0001), higher family income (p<0.0001), duration of vigorous physical activity (p=0.005), and walking (p<0.0001) were significant and positive factors for continued sexual experience in the analyzed sample. Conclusion The study identified significant differences when comparing the groups, highlighting the influence of socioeconomic and health factors on the expression of sexuality in older women, thus emphasizing the challenges they face. Public policies and health education initiatives are necessary to safeguard rights, dignity, and promote positive changes in the lives of this population.