The evaluation of sexual dysfunction in morbid obesity patients admitted to the endocrinology and obesity clinics

ABSTRACT The Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction in Morbid Obesity Patients Admitted to the Endocrinology and Obesity Clinics The purpose of this study is to investigate sexual dysfunction rates in morbidly obese patients who are the applicants of endocrinology clinic. The sample of the study constitutes 78 morbidly obese patients and 68 normal-weight individuals who have BMI>40 kg/m2. In the acquisition of data, sociodemographic information form, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and Golombock Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction Scale were used. Variables related to the quantitative data were tested by the Shapiro Wilk normality test. The comparison of groups according to the results of the normality test was performed with unpaired t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's Chi-Square Test and p<0.05 was considered significant. The incidence of sexual dysfunction in obese men and women were found at a higher rate. In terms of Golombock Rust subscale scores although significant differences in satisfaction and orgasm disorder in women were observed, there was significant difference compared to normal-weight individuals at other scale scores. When obese men were examined in terms of Golombock Rust subscale scores, at all scales including frequency, communication, satisfaction, avoidance, touching, impotence, premature ejaculation, a significant impairment was detected compared to normal weight individuals. It was also found that higher levels of anxiety and depression scores were observed in obese individuals than normal weight individuals. In conclusion, the incidence of sexual dysfunction in obese males and females is observed at a much higher rate. Therefore, it is necessary that morbid obese individuals are also evaluated in terms of sexual functions. We think that the arrangement of treating the obesity with including the possible treatment of sexual dysfunction would increase the success rate and the quality of life in the patients. Keywords: morbid obesity, anxiety, depression, sexual disfunction, Golombock Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction Scale