Aspects of sexual life that are associated with the occurrence of depressive disorders and autonomic dysfunction among medical students of National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya

Abstract

Depressive disorders are widespread nowadays. First of all, this was affected by social isolation related to covid-19, and starting from 2022 – the war in our country. Depression and sexual life are connected and important, because a person with a depressive disorder cannot fully live a social and sexual life. As a result, the birth rate in the country and the population in general decreases. Therefore, the issue of studying the occurrence of depressive disorders in young sexually active and inactive people is extremely relevant.
 The aim. The main objective of this work was to explore the different areas of sexual life of residents and its association with mental health. Additionally, differences in sexual life and mental health (depression) based on gender were also analyzed.
 Materials and methods. An anonymous survey of 506 medical students of NPMMU, V has been conducted using a questionnaire that included 25 questions on various aspects of the sexual life of the respondents. The analysis of the obtained results of the study was carried out on the basis of the computer programme “Statistica 6.1” using nonparametric methods to evaluate obtained results.
 The results. We found a statistically significant association between sexual activity and condition of mental health. Results regarding young adults, presented lower levels of sexual satisfaction and greater depression, whereas young women also exhibited higher levels of depression.
 Conclusions. Sexual life has a positive effect on the mental and psychological health of respondents. This information should be conveyed to young people.