Examining the relationship of sexual myths and sexual knowledge with sexual dysfunction and anxiety levels in women

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between sexual myths and sexual knowledge and sexual dysfunction and anxiety levels in women, and the relationship between these variables and some socio-demographic characteristics. Method: The universe of the research consists of women living in Istanbul and Iğdır. The sample of the study consists of 152 women living in Istanbul and Iğdır. Sociodemographic information form, Sexual Myths Form, Sexual Knowledge Level Form, Female Sexual Function Scale and Trait Anxiety Scale were applied to the sample group during data collection. Results: Considering the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, 65.8% were between the ages of 25-34, 73.7% were born in a province, 81.6% lived in a province, 84.9% were university/high school graduates, 73% had an income of 3000 TL and above, % It is seen that 55.3% are married, 41.4% obtain the first sexual information from their friends, 66.4% find their sexual information sufficient, and 43.4% evaluate their sexual life as good. According to the results of the analysis made in line with the data obtained, the average score of sexual myths of the participants is 9.62 + 7.33. According to this result, the level of sexual myths, that is, false beliefs, is low. When the sexual knowledge levels are examined, the average score of the data obtained is 12.51+2.11. According to this result, the knowledge level of the participants is above the average. The mean score of sexual dysfunction levels in women is 18.29+5.97, which is at an average level. The mean score of desire, which is the sub-dimensions of sexual dysfunction in women, is 3.61+.55, mean score of arousal is 2.41+1.37, mean score of lubrication is 3.24+1.30, mean orgasm score is 2.85+1.22, satisfaction mean score is 1.90+1.27 and pain mean score is 4.27+2.01. The mean score of trait anxiety levels is 64.74+6.10. According to this result, trait anxiety levels are above the average. Conclusion: Considering the relationship between socio-demographic variables and sexual myth; There was a significant relationship between place of birth, education level, marital status, first way of obtaining sexual information, and evaluation of sexual life. A significant difference was found between sexual dysfunctions and their place of residence, marital status, and evaluation of sexual life. A significant difference was found between sexual knowledge and where they live, educational status, marital status, and evaluation of sexual life. A low-moderate positive relationship was found between sexual myths and sexual dysfunction sub-dimension in women, a low-positive relationship with satisfaction sub-dimension, and a low-level negative relationship with pain sub-dimension. There was a low-moderate negative relationship between the level of sexual knowledge and arousal sub-dimension of sexual dysfunctions in women, and a moderately positive relationship with the pain sub-dimension. A moderately negative and significant relationship was found between the level of sexual myth and the level of sexual knowledge. This finding reveals that an increase in sexual knowledge reduces sexual myths. Keywords: Sexual myth, sexual knowledge, sexual dysfunction, anxiety