The impact of attitudes toward sexuality and sexual function on marital satisfaction during pregnancy

Aim

Aim of the study investigating the impact of attitudes toward sexuality and sexual function on marital satisfaction during pregnancy.

Methods

This study, in which a descriptive design was used, was conducted with 520 pregnant women. The Introductory Information Form, The Attitude Scale toward Sexuality During Pregnancy (AStSdP) (subdimensions: anxiety about sexual intercourse during pregnancy [anxiety], dysfunctional beliefs and values about sexuality during pregnancy [beliefs and values], and approving sexuality during pregnancy [approval]), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) (subdimensions: sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain), and Marital Adjustment Scale (MAS) (subdimensions: family, sex, and self) were used for data collection.

Results

The mean AStSdP score was 104.61 ± 18.75, the mean FSFI score was 19.54 ± 8.91, and the mean MAS score was 48.58 ± 8.54. Negative attitudes toward sexuality during pregnancy were reported by 30% of the participants, while 79.4% experienced sexual dysfunction. The AStSdP, FSFI, and MAS scores exhibited a positive correlation. Additionally, adverse economic conditions, gestational week, Anxiety, Beliefs and Values, AStSdP scores, and arousal scores were significant predictors of marital satisfaction in pregnant women.

Conclusions

There exists a positive relationship between attitudes toward sexuality during pregnancy, sexual function scores, and marital satisfaction. Moreover, attitudes toward sexuality during pregnancy influence marital satisfaction. Nurses and other antenatal team members should implement interventions to foster positive attitudes toward sexuality in pregnancy, as these can enhance marital satisfaction.