Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Dysfunction among Female Adults Attending Government Primary Healthcare Clinics in the Kuala Langat District (FSD-PHC): A Cross-Sectional Study
Beatrice JNL *
Kampung Bandar Health Clinic, Jalan Kurau, 42500 Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia.
Yew ML
Tanjung Sepat Health Clinic, Kampung Kundang, 42800 Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia.
Tan SY
Jenjarom Health Clinic, Jalan Kampung Jenjarom, 42600 Kuala Langat Selangor, Malaysia.
Sumitha SC
Bukit Changgang Health Clinic, Jalan Labohan Dagang 42700 Kuala Langat Selangor, Malaysia.
Ammaar NI
Telok Panglima Garang Health Clinic, Telok Panglima Garang, 42500 Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia.
Hazlin M
Telok Panglima Garang Health Clinic, Telok Panglima Garang, 42500 Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia.
Hamid MJ
Telok Datok Health Clinic, Jalan Pegawai, 42800 Kuala Langat Selangor, Malaysia.
Faezah SNF
Telok Panglima Garang Health Clinic, Telok Panglima Garang, 42500 Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To identify the prevalence and predictors of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and compare sexual functioning across different reproductive phases.
Study Design: Cross-sectional.
Place and Duration of Study: Government primary healthcare clinics in Kuala Langat district, Malaysia, from April to July 2025.
Methodology: A total of 361 married, sexually active women aged 18-70 years, literate in the Malay language, participated in the study. Women with illiteracy in the Malay language or cognitive impairment were excluded. Sexual function was assessed using the validated Malay version of the Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSFI), which measures desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Data were analysed using logistic regression to identify factors associated with FSD, with initial bivariate analysis, followed by preliminary final model variable selection and multivariate analysis adjusted for confounders.
Results: Over half FSD, (54.6%, n=197) of the participants experienced FSD. Factors significantly associated (p-value <0.05) with FSD included older age, ethnicity (Chinese), higher education levels, infrequent sexual intercourse, perimenopausal status, urogenital symptoms, having a partner with sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. Sexual functioning profiles varied significantly across premenopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal women, with dysfunction increasing through these reproductive phases.
Conclusion: FSD is prevalent and increases with advancing reproductive phases. Routine screening for FSD should be integrated into primary care, particularly for perimenopausal and menopausal women, with emphasis on addressing psychosocial, relational, and partner-related factors through couple-based interventions.
Keywords: Female, sexual dysfunction, reproductive, primary care