Abstract #87 - Sexual dysfunctions in homosexual men: prediction of problem occurrence from a bio-psychosocial model.
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Session: 6.52: Posters A (Poster) on Monday in Chaired by
Authors: Presenting Author: Mr Tom Platteau - Institute of Tropical Medicine, Belgium
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Additional Authors:
Mr Jacques van Lankveld,
Mrs Christiana Noestlinger,
Mr Filip Moerman,
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Aim: Sexuality can be approached from a bio-psychosocial framework. This study looked at two questions: (1) which biological and psychosocial characteristics are different in homosexual men with and without sexual dysfunctions and (2) which factors of vulnerability predict the occurrence of sexual dysfunctions in these groups?
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Method / Issue: Several validated self-reported questionnaires (International Index of Erectile Function, Sexual Inhibition and Sexual Excitation Scales) were used in a cross-sectional study design with a control/comparison group. The outcome variable was sexual dysfunction. Variables were assessed on various levels of the bio-psychosocial model: biological factors were HIV seropositivity, viral load of people living with HIV and CD4 count of people living with HIV. Psychological factors were self-reported health and trait level of sexual excitation and sexual inhibition. The assessed social factors were relationship status and some selected socio-demographic variables. In order to determine predictive factors for the occurrence of sexual dysfunctions a significant regression model was built, which included self-reported health, sexual excitation and one type of sexual inhibition. This model could predict the development of sexual dysfunctions.
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Results / Comments: Eighty-two homosexual men responded, of which 46 were HIV-positive and 36 were HIV-negative. Eighteen respondents (22%) reported sexual dysfunctions, defined as self-reported sexual problems. The group with sexual dysfunctions differed significantly from the group without sexual dysfunctions with respect to sexual inhibition and relationship status.
The regression model showed that self-reported health, sexual excitation and external sexual inhibition (fear of the consequences of sexual behavior) are predictive for self-reported sexual dysfunction.
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Discussion: The results call for a better recognition of sexual problems in the investigated target group. Further research on this matter is needed in order to confirm the results in larger populations and achieve a higher degree of generalization. A standard inquiry method on the characteristics of sexual problems during the clinical intake could be considered. This should also help clinicians find a way to address sexual related issues during consultation.
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