Sexual function in couples between 50 and 70 years old and association with morbidities, distress, health behaviors, pandemic and self-care agency

• Grant number: 20/04708-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: February 01, 2021 - July 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Lucia Helena Simões da Costa Paiva
• Grantee: Lucia Helena Simões da Costa Paiva
• Host Institution: Centro de Atenção Integral à Saúde da Mulher (CAISM). Hospital da Mulher Professor Doutor José Aristodemo Pinotti. Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Ana Lúcia Ribeiro Valadares

Abstract

Summary Introduction: Sexual function is an integral part of human expression, regardless of age and is associated with patterns of life behaviors and physical and mental health. With the increase in longevity and longer exposure to factors associated with there is an increased prevalence of problems like vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunctions and other morbidities that can affect sexual function. Besides impacting negatively people's life, sexual dysfunction of each partner can have negatively impact the life of the individual and negative reflections on the couple. However, most individuals do not seek medical care. Self-care is considered the set of actions that individuals develop to meet their needs. In this pandemic moment, there may be an aggravation in all these aspects of health. Evidence suggests that daily practices of self-care are associated with better habits, better physical and mental health and probably sexual health. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the sexual function of couples and the association with vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, morbidities, stress, life patterns and self-care ability. Few studies contemplate all this information in our population, particularly with a focus on the couple. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study will be carried out with 282 couples (heterosexual and homo-affective, 564 individuals), aged 50 to 70 years old. These individuals will be selected through the "snowball" technique or social network, which will be formed from the couples "Egos" initially identified by women (patients and employees) from different schooling levels (elementary, middle and higher) who attend the Campus of a university in the interior of São Paulo. Those initial contacts who accept participation will indicate new contacts (inside or outside this Campus) with similar characteristics. These couples will answer the interview through questionnaires containing sociodemographics, behavioral, general, and sexual health questions. It will be done via internet telephony by interviewers with expertise in interviews and trained for the project. Data processing and analysis: It will be carried out bivariate and multivariate analysis of obtained data, which will be presented in tables and charts of prevalence. The analysis of categorical variables will be made by the Chi-square test and the medium through Student's T-test or Mann-Whitney. It will be calculated the prevalence ratio and its 95% CI for each of the observed conditions. To assess the association between the dependent and independent variables will be held multiple regression analysis of Poisson. It is expected to obtain prevalence data of these conditions in our population, which will contribute to greater sexuality knowledge of this group and associated factors. This information focused on this track of the population, as well as strategies for improved sexual function and quality of life of men and women of middle age. This information, focused on this track of the population, may direct strategies for a better sexual function and quality of life of middle age men and women. (AU)