(PM-17) Association between gender roles and sexuality among women in primary health care in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

Abstract Objective This study aimed to analyze aspects of female sexuality and gender roles among women in primary health care. Material and Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, from January 2022 to February 2023. Using convenience sampling, women ≥18 years, sexually active in the past 12 months were included. Exclusion criteria were being within 3 months postpartum, illiteracy and transgender women. Data were collected through direct interviews assessing sociodemographic, general health, reproductive, sexual and gender roles aspects. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was used to assess risk for sexual dysfunction. Results Among the 127 participants, 63.7% were in the reproductive stage. Most were heterosexual (89%), white (55.9%), married or in a stable relationship (43.3%) and had a religion (73.2%). The majority were from social classes B2 and C1 (62.2%), employed (66.1%) and contributed to household income (72%). Alcohol use was reported by 78%, 55.9% were sedentary, 78% were non-smokers, 74.8% engaged in leisure activities and 37.8% had a health issue. Two-thirds had children, 63.8% used contraceptive methods and 80.2% had chosen the method. Most reported having 2-11 monthly sexual encounters (56%), initiating intercourse in 2-6 of them (59.8%) and achieving ≥2 orgasms every 10 of them (87.4%). However, 59% had experienced sex without desire and 43.3% were at risk for sexual dysfunction. Among the 66 women living with a partner, 56.1% identified their partner as the head of the household and 80.3% shared domestic duties. About half shared responsibility for household decision-making (48.5%), shopping (48.5%) and managing finances (39.4%). Tasks such as laundry (75.8%), cooking (56.1%) and cleaning (48.5%) were mostly performed by women alone. Conclusions There was no association between gender role aspects and FSFI scores. The presence of health problems was associated with lower FSFI scores. Financing No conflict.