Frequency of Female Sexual Dysfunction among Healthcare Givers in Hospitals Dealing with Patients with COVID-19 during the First Pandemic Wave in Egypt - Abstract
Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is described as difficulty experienced by females during any stage of sexual activity. The FSD was extensively studied previously
during COVID-19 outbreak, however healthcare givers dealing with patients tested positive were not addressed.
Aim: Was to assess the impact of being a female healthcare givers working in hospitals dealing with patients with Covid-19 during first outbreak- on sexual function (SF) with
identification of associated risk factors.
Methods: 231 healthcare givers working in hospitals dealing with COVID-19 patients during the first pandemic wave and 123 females working in non-medical jobs as a controls
were included. The self-administered International Index of Female sexual (FSFI) questionnaire was completed by all participants during the first pandemic wave of COVID-19 in
Egypt. The results of FSFI were compared to controls
Main Outcome Measure: We determined the proportions of patients and controls who were dissatisfied with their sexual life, the impact of disease and cure on the total FSFI
score and scores domains.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference (p-value > 0.05) between both groups as regards age, residence and place of work while. Healthcare givers
significantly scored lower results of mean of FSFI and its domains (lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain). Female nurses had lower results of mean of FSFI and its domains
(lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) than female doctors.
Clinical Implications: Given the high prevalence of FSD among healthcare givers, it is recommended that SF in female healthcare givers should be addressed as psychosocial
support to the quality of life in that will in turn positively affect health outcomes.
Strengths & Limitations: This is the first study to report on FSD in healthcare givers in hospitals dealing with COVID-19 patients during the first pandemic wave. Sub-analysis of
data in female physicians and female nurses was done.
Conclusion: Female medical stuff working in isolation hospitals experienced sexual dysfunction affecting FSFI (total and most domains). The sexual burdens and psychosocial
aspects associated with COVID-19 among healthcare givers are underestimated because of the standard focus on daily medical practices in these hospitals.