A systematic review on the prevalence of a silent female disorder in Arabic-speaking countries and the Middle East: sexual dysfunctions and the role of culture.

Abstract

Introduction: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) remains a silent problem, especially in Arabic-speaking countries and the Middle East and most of the data are from Western countries. Sociocultural determinants haven't been getting the same attention as biological and psychological factors when studying sexual health.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of FSD in the Arab and Middle Eastern world and understand the sociocultural determinants related.

Methods: On January 13, 2024, we searched electronic databases including Pubmed, Scielo, PsycArticles, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar, Middle East Current Psychiatry, and Journal of Middle East Women's Studies, following PRISMA guidelines. Female participants, aged at least 16 years old from Middle East or Arabic-speaking countries, including North Africa, and cross-sectional studies in Arabic, English, and/or French were included. After careful screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts, ineligible articles were excluded.

Results: A total of 19 papers were included in the present review. The most common FSD in each country were as follows: in Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, and Jordan, desire problems. In Iran, orgasm problems, and pain. In Palestine, pain. In Saudi Arabia, arousal. Sociocultural determinants such as language, poor sexual education, poor sexual self-awareness-and of partners-, lack of training, and help-seeking were related to FSD.

Conclusions: FSD is prevalent in Arabic-speaking countries and the Middle East, yet little to no attention is given to this matter. Causes for FSD are mainly cultural, and Arab and Middle Eastern healthcare professionals lack training. Culturally sensitive, evidence-based studies regarding sexual health need to be conducted.