Evaluation of the Sexual Functioning of Individuals Living in Turkey During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Internet-Based Nationwide Survey Study

Abstract

Introduction: Although many countries in the world prioritize self-isolation measures during the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period, the effects of this process on sexual functioning are not yet known. Aim: To evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual functioning of individuals who declared no medical history of the COVID-19 disease. Methods: A total of 1,356 participants filled out an Internet-based survey between June 1 and June 20, 2020. The data from these participants were analyzed to determine sexual functioning in terms of sexual intercourse frequency and sexual desire during theCOVID-19 pandemic. Subgroups analyses were also performed, wherein the subgroups were developed according to the population density of the cities in which the participants lived to examine whether population density has any effect on the sexual functions of the participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Main Outcome Measure: The study outcomes were obtained using a study-specific questionnaire to assess the changes in people's sexual functioning. Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.16 +/- 8.31 years. There was a statistically significant difference between the participants according to the decrease in the number of weekly sexual intercourses when they were compared in terms of smoking status, alcohol consumption, marital and parental status, being a health-care worker, having a regular sexual partner, and the working status during the COVID-19 pandemic (P <.05, for each). In the subgroup analyses, it was observed that there was a statistically significant difference between the groups for change in the number of sexual intercourses, the number of masturbations, and sexual desire during the COVID-19 pandemic (P <.05, for each). Conclusion: A decline in sexual functioning was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Living in a metropolitan area was associated with a decline in both sexual intercourse frequency and sexual desire during the COVID-19 pandemic. Copyright (C) 2020, The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.