Self‐esteem and sexual quality of life among obese women

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the sexual quality of life and self-esteem of obese women and the relationship between them.Design and Methods: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. A descriptive questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire were used to collect the data. Findings: Participants had a moderate level of self-esteem. The mean scores of the participants were 50.45 + 10.23 for Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire. A positive correlation was found between self-esteem and sexual quality of life. Practice Implications: High self-esteem is positively correlated with quality of sexual life in obese woman. Physical activity increases self-esteem and sexual quality of life. Obesity impairs sexual quality of life among obese women. K E Y W O R D S obesity, self-esteem, sexual quality of life 1 | INTRODUCTION Obesity is one of the most serious health issues that have emerged as a result of a changing social, economic, cultural, and physical environment. 1 It may cause many physiological disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cancers, and coronary artery diseases. 2 Obesity does not cause only adverse physiological effects on the human body. There are also psychological effects. Being criticized and socially excluded due to obesity-related reasons may lead to a decrease in the self-esteem of individuals. 3 Studies have stated that obese individuals have low self-esteem, 4 and self-esteem decreases with increasing body mass index (BMI). 5 It has been still discussed whether low self-esteem experienced by an obese individual is a reason or a cause of obesity.Sexuality is a part of human life and enhances the quality of life of individuals. According to the studies, obesity has a negative effect on sexual quality of life. 6,7 The prevalence of sexual dysfunction is also increasing among chronic diseases caused by obesity. 8 The prevalence of obesity is higher in women in Turkey. 9 Lifestyle changes and medical treatments are used for the treatment of obesity. It is required to know the mood of the individuals to develop positive lifestyle changes and keep obesity under control. Nurses are healthcare professionals in the medical team who spend time with patients most frequently and for a long time. For this reason, nurses have a significant role in evaluating the psychological parameters for obese women such as self-esteem and sexual quality of life. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the sexual quality of life and self-esteem of obese women. | MATERIALS AND METHODS | Study design and sampleThis is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The population of the study consisted of women with obesity who applied to the dietician department of a university hospital. The study sample was calculated as 90 women using n = t 2 •p•q /d 2 , the formula that is used when the population is unknown. The study conducted between September 2019 and December 2019.The inclusion criteria for the women were determined as follows: being at the age ...

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