The Association Couple Burnout and Sexual Function in Primiparous Women During One Year After Childbirth: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Structural Equation Model Analysis

Background: Identifying factors leading to couple burnout is crucial, especially considering the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction within the first year postpartum. This study addresses the relationship between couple burnout and sexual function. Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the association between couple burnout domains and female sexual function domains within one year after childbirth using structural equation model analysis. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a structural equation model for analysis. A total of 352 primiparous mothers, with infants aged two to twelve months, participated. Health centers affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran were listed, and 14 centers were randomly selected as recruitment sites. Sampling was conducted through convenience sampling. Data collection included a demographic characteristics form, the Pines Couple Burnout Measure (comprising physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion domains), and the Rosen Female Sexual Function Index (comprising desire, arousal, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain domains). Descriptive analysis, including mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage, was performed using SPSS 16. Inferential statistics were conducted using Smart PLS version 8, employing confirmatory factor analysis with a significance level set at 0.05. Results: A significant inverse correlation was observed between arousal and physical (β = -2.13, P = 0.03) and emotional exhaustion (β = -0.16, P = 0.003), but no correlation was found with mental exhaustion. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between pain and emotional (β = 0.26, P < 0.001), mental (β = 0.31, P < 0.001), and physical exhaustion (β = 0.27, P < 0.001). Desire, lubrication, satisfaction, and orgasm were not associated with any domains of couple burnout. Conclusions: Two sexual function domains, pain and arousal, emerged as predictors of couple burnout during the first two to twelve months postpartum in primiparous mothers. Pain during sexual intercourse was associated with emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. Low arousal following sexual contact led to high physical and emotional exhaustion. Healthcare providers should prioritize assessing and addressing women’s sexual well-being postpartum.