Association of body mass index and sexual dysfunction among married women in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia

TL;DR

This study found that obesity is strongly linked to sexual dysfunction in married women in Saudi Arabia, with psychological and partner-related factors playing a key role.

Contribution

The study is the first to explore the association between BMI and FSD in married women in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, highlighting cultural and psychological mediators.

Findings

84.6% of married women in Makkah experienced sexual dysfunction.

Obesity was significantly associated with sexual dysfunction, especially lubrication and orgasm issues.

Psychological distress and partner-related factors, like the husband's sexual dysfunction, were major contributors to FSD.

Abstract

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a prevalent yet understudied health concern among married women in Saudi Arabia, where obesity rates among women are alarmingly high. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of FSD and its association with BMI among married women attending primary health care centers (PHCs) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 332 married women aged 18–50 years attending PHCs in Makkah. Participants completed a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographics, medical history, reproductive health, and sexual function using the validated Arabic Female Sexual Function Index (ArFSFI). Anthropometric measurements were taken to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). Chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Kruskal–Wallis analyses were used to examine associations between BMI, FSD, and significant contributors.

The prevalence of FSD was 84.6%. Obesity was significantly associated with FSD (OR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.38–5.30, p = .005), particularly affecting lubrication (p = .002) and orgasm (p = .014). Key correlates of FSD included partner-related factors, such as the husband's sexual dysfunction (40.9% vs. 5.9%, p < .001), and weight-related comments (33.8% vs. 15.7%, p = .010). Psychological distress, particularly higher levels of anxiety (32.0% vs. 11.8%, p = .003) and depression (44.5% vs. 7.8%, p < .001), was also significantly associated with FSD. Reproductive factors, such as irregular menstruation (p = .001), and reproductive surgeries (p = .003) were significantly associated with FSD.

This study highlights a high burden of FSD among Saudi women with obesity, strongly associated with obesity, mediated by psychological and partner-related factors, as well as reproductive factors. Integrated interventions addressing weight management, mental health, and couples' counseling are urgently needed. Cultural sensitivity in sexual health education and clinical practice is essential to reduce stigma and improve care access.