Depression, Sexual Function and Sexual Quality of Life in Iranian Women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Background & Objective: Women with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from a wide range of complications. The present study was conducted with aim to compare sexual dysfunction (SD), depression, and sexual quality of life in women with MS and women without MS. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 54 women with MS and 108 women without MS in Sina hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2019. All participants were asked to fill valid and reliable versions of BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), and SQOL (sexual quality of life) questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 23). P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The two groups of women with MS and those without MS were significantly different regarding the mean scores for BDI, SQOL, and orgasm and satisfaction domains of FSFI. Sexual quality of life (SQOL) had a significant positive correlation with FSFI (r=0.568, P<0.001) and a significant negative correlation with BDI scores (r=-0.528, P<0.001). Considering SQOL as a dependent variable and age, education level, marriage duration, husband’s age, and BDI and FSFI scores as independent variables, linear regression analysis showed that education level, BDI score, and FSFI score were independent predictors of SQOL in all participants; while among MS patients, only BDI and FSFI were significant predictors of SQOL. Conclusion: Sexual quality of life and sexual function should be considered in women with MS, and depression should be assessed and treated as a possible risk factor.