Prevalence Of Sexual Dysfunction In Postmenopausal Women- A Cross-Sectional Analysis In Rural Aligarh

Background: Sexual dysfunction is a common problem among postmenopausal women, significantly affecting their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its sociodemographic determinants among postmenopausal women in rural Aligarh, India. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was performed on 326 postmenopausal women aged 40-55 years, using simple random sampling with PPS, from August 2022 to July 2024. Results: Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in 66.25% postmenopausal women in rural Aligarh, Avoiding intimacy (81.28%) and changes in sexual desire (76.99%) were the most commonly reported symptoms. Significant associations were observed between sexual dysfunction and sociodemographic factors such as socioeconomic status (χ²=11.038, p=0.026) and occupation (χ²=5.98, p=0.007). Tobacco use (smokable) also showed a significant association with sexual dysfunction (χ²=9.546, p=0.010), as did early menopause (χ²=8.092, p=0.044). Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive interventions and healthcare resources to address sexual health concerns in postmenopausal women, especially in rural settings.