Patterns of Female Sexual Dysfunctions Among Married Women in Ilorin, Nigeria: Implications for Health Workers

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction is a defect in a person’s sexuality, and this has become a major issue faced by married women in this contemporary age. It has greatly disrupted the serene atmosphere of many marriages as well as a married woman’s quality of life and has led to many divorces. The purpose of this study was to determine the patterns of female sexual dysfunction as expressed by married women in Ilorin, Nigeria. Variables such as age, level of education, and religion were also examined. The study adopted a descriptive survey method. An adapted instrument entitled Patterns of Women Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire (POWSDQ) was used to gather data for the study. A total of 210 married women participated in the study and the respondents were drawn through the use of simple random sampling technique. The demographic data was analysed using percentage while the null hypotheses were tested with Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), ttest and ANOVA at 0.05 alpha level. Findings from the study revealed that the patterns of sexual dysfunction among married women in Ilorin, Nigeria were sexual arousal disorder, sexual orgasmic disorder, and sexual pain disorder. Age influenced women’s views of patterns of sexual dysfunction however, level of education and religion did not. It was recommended that health counsellors and other health practitioners should help women to know both the patterns of sexual dysfunction and its impact on their health, emotions, and their marriage. Health counsellors should endeavour to educate women about sexual dysfunction and how it can be managed.