Perceived effects of health status on sexual activity in patients with axial spondylarthritis followed for 5 years

Abstract

Background Axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) causes pain, fatigue, stiffness, loss of physical function, and poor health status, which can influence sexual activity and enjoyment. Aims To explore whether patients with ax-SpA perceive that their health status affects their sexual activity and to identify predictors of these perceived effects on sexual activity after a 5-year follow-up. Methods Data about demographics, disease, medication, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and sexual quality of life (SQOL) were collected at the baseline and 5-year follow-up. The perceived effect of health status on sexual activity was measured by question 15 in the 15D questionnaire. Data were analysed using the McNemar and independent paired t tests and logistic regression. Results In the 244 patients with ax-SpA (30% women, 70% men; mean age, 46 years), measures reflecting disease activity decreased and comorbidities increased, and more patients were treated with biological drugs at 5 years. Compared with patients whose health status had little/no effect on sexual activity, those who perceived that their health status had a large effect on sexual activity were older, exercised less, fewer were employed, had more comorbidities, higher disease activity, and lower HRQOL and SQOL. The baseline predictors of a negative effect of health status on sexual activity were old age and low SQOL. Conclusion Patients reporting that their health status had a large effect on sexual activity at 5 years were older and had a less healthy lifestyle, more disease activity, and lower HRQOL and SQOL.