Ethnic differences in dissatisfaction with sexual life in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Swedish town

Abstract

BackgroundThe first aim of this study was to analyze whether self-reported satisfaction with one's sexual life was associated with ethnicity (Swedish and Assyrian/Syrian) in patients with type 2 diabetes. The second was to study whether the association between satisfaction with one's sexual life and ethnicity remained after controlling for possible confounders such as marital status, HbA1c, medication, and presence of other diseases.MethodsThis cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted at four primary health care centers in the Swedish town of Södertälje. A total of 354 persons (173 ethnic Assyrians/Syrians and 181 ethnic Swedes) participated.ResultsThe total prevalence of self-reported dissatisfaction with one's sexual life in both groups was 49%. No significant ethnic differences were found in the outcome. In the final model, regardless of ethnicity, the odds ratio (OR) for self-reported dissatisfaction with one's sexual life in those ≥ 70 years old was 2.52 (95% CI 1.33-4.80). Among those living alone or with children, the OR was more than three times higher than for married or cohabiting individuals (OR = 3.10, 95% CI 1.60-6.00). Those with other diseases had an OR 1.89 times (95% CI 1.10-3.40) higher than those without other diseases.ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate that almost half of participants were dissatisfied with their sexual life and highlight the importance of sexual life to people with type 2 diabetes. This factor should not be ignored in clinical evaluations. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that it is possible to include questions on sexual life in investigations of patients with type 2 diabetes and even in other health-related, questionnaire studies, despite the sensitivity of the issue of sexuality.

Sexual dysfunction in Assyrian/Syrian immigrants and Swedish-born persons with type 2 diabetes

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the second study on self-reported sexual health and the first on self-reported sexual dysfunction in a population consisting of Assyrians/Syrians and Swedes. Our first study in the same Assyrian/Syrian sample investigated dissatisfaction with one’s sexual life compared to Swedish-born patients with type 2 diabetes [13]. That study showed no significant ethnic differences in the dissatisfaction with one’s sexual life [13].…”

“…Our first study in the same Assyrian/Syrian sample investigated dissatisfaction with one’s sexual life compared to Swedish-born patients with type 2 diabetes [13]. That study showed no significant ethnic differences in the dissatisfaction with one’s sexual life [13]. …”

“…This study is based on the same survey that was used to investigate ethnic differences in dissatisfaction with one’s sexual life and published in BMC Public Health (2010) [13]. The participants were consecutively selected from the registers of patients with type 2 diabetes at four primary health care centers in Södertälje.…”

A meta-regression evaluating the effectiveness and prognostic factors of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

“…As a multifactorial condition, ED is known to be associated with age, ethnicity, and comorbid conditions. 10 11 12 Some studies suggested that the effectiveness of PDE5-Is seem to be better in Caucasians than Asians, 13 but similar among black American, Hispanic American men and Caucasians. 14 15 Other factors like body mass index (BMI), disease severity/duration, etiology, and comorbidity may also influence the treatment effects, but the evidence is rather controversial.…”

Evaluation of Sexual Function of Postmenopausal Brazilian Women

“…There is considerable disagreement in the literature in regards to female sexual satisfaction in diabetes, which could vary according to the study's design, and the participants' age, ethnicity, and partner's sexual performance (12,15,26,28).…”