The Relationship between Sexual Function and Sexual Health Literacy in Women

Introduction: This study aimed to examine the relationship between sexual function and sexual health literacy in women.
Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 286 women. Data were collected using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the sexual health literacy scale (SHLS). Statistical analyses included t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation.
Results: Significant differences were observed in the sexual desire and satisfaction sub-dimensions based on age (p=0.045 and p=0.043). Married women had lower sexual desire scores compared to single women (p<0.001). A significant association was found between educational level and sexual health literacy; university graduates had higher SHLS scores (p<0.001). Similarly, women with higher income had better sexual health literacy (p=0.010). Working women had significantly higher scores in the sexual knowledge and attitude sub-dimensions than non-working women (p=0.004 and p=0.005). Smokers showed lower levels of sexual desire (p=0.013). A weak but significant negative correlation was found between sexual desire and the total SHLS score (r=-0.129, p<0.05), and between satisfaction and sexual behavior (r=-0.149, p<0.05). However, no correlation was found between the total FSFI and SHLS scores (r=-0.056, p>0.05).
Discussion and Conclusion: The study reveals a relationship between women’s sexual function, sexual health literacy, and certain sociodemographic characteristics. Although the correlations are weak, specific sub-dimensions of sexual health literacy are significantly associated with sexual function. Further research is recommended to explore these relationships in more depth.

Keywords: Female sexual functioning; Sexual health literacy; Sexuality