Sexual dysfunction, anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life in women with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis- a cross-sectional analysis.

Abstract

Axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease which causes a major deterioration of both physical and mental health. This research aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD), decreased quality of life (QoL), and depressive and anxiety symptoms in women with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). A cross-sectional study was performed, involving 60 sexually active women with nr-axSpA and an age-matched group of 60 healthy women. Data were gathered through patient records and three standardized tools: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Sexual dysfunction was found to be more prevalent in the nr-axSpA group (65% vs. 40%, p < 0.01). The mean FSFI result was substantially lower in patients than in healthy controls (19.71 ± 11.32 vs. 24.75 ± 8.36, p < 0.01) with significant differences of the scores in desire, arousal, lubrication and pain caused during intercourse. Women with nr-axSpA also experienced higher levels of anxiety (HADS-A: 8.52 ± 3.62 vs. 5.88 ± 3.83, p < 0.01) and depression (HADS-D: 6.27 ± 3.38 vs. 3.28 ± 2.77, p < 0.01). They also had lower physical (171.0 ± 72.9 vs. 301.5 ± 81.2, p < 0.01) and mental (204.9 ± 83.9 vs. 277.1 ± 74.5, p < 0.01) QoL scores. Women diagnosed with nr-axSpA are more prone to sexual dysfunction, increased anxiety and depression, and have a significantly worsened quality of life. The obtained results accentuate the necessity of addressing the patients' physical as well as their emotional issues through a comprehensive approach.