Sexual Dysfunction and Psychological Distress among Women Presenting at Gynecological Clinics in Lahore, Pakistan

Author: Mariam Lodhi

Supervisor: Nashi Khan, PhD & Hira Fatima

Degree: BS

Year: 2009-2013

University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The present study was aimed to find the relationship between gynecological problems, sexual dysfunction and psychological distress among women and to determine whether women from different background responded in a different manner. Purposive sampling strategy was used and the sample size was 110 (55 from government hospitals and 55 from private hospitals). It hypothesized that there would be relationship between sexual dysfunction and gynecological problems. Second hypothesis was that there would be a relationship between sexual dysfunction and psychological distress. The third hypothesis was that there would be a relationship between gynecological problems and psychological distress. Moreover it was also hypothesized that the participants from government and private hospitals would respond differently. The instruments used were Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (Urdu version) (Syrjala, 1998, 2004) and Symptom Checklist-Revised (Rahman, Dawood, Jagir, Mansoor & Rehman, 2009). The correlation analysis showed a significant negative relationship between gynecological problems and orgasm. Significant positive correlation between gynecological problem and depression was also found. Moreover depression, somatoform and LFT were found to correlate negatively with sexual functioning. Positive correlation was found between OCD and sexual interest. Moreover, independent sample t – test revealed significant differences in the responses of women from government and private hospitals. Therefore, it can be further implied from the study that steps should be taken for health promotion. Furthermore, steps should be taken to increase the literacy rate among women along with health promotion to spread awareness. Moreover, people should be encouraged to share their problems and get help for their problems.

Keywords: Sexual Dysfunction, Psychological Distress.

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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245