Evaluation of sexual dysfunction and quality of life in female patients with fibromyalgia

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the quality of life and sexual dysfunction in female patients with fibromyalgia. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted in Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital Physical Therapy and Rheumatology Polyclinic. According to the criteria of American College of Rheumatology The patients, who were diagnosed as FM by the physician, sexually active, had no communication problems and agreed to participate in the study, were included. The data were collected by using a 20-item socio-demographic form prepared by the researchers, Numeric Rating Scale, F-36 Quality of Life Scale, Fibromiyalgia Impact Questionnarie, Female Sexual Fuction İndex. Data were evaluated by using parametric and nonparametric tests in computer. FINDINGS: Sexual dysfunction was detected in 74% of patients with fibromyalgia. Age, level of education, duration of marriage, smoking, working status, duration of disease, BMI, number of children, comorbidity and severity of pain affected sexual dysfunction and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. It was found that sexual dysfunction had a negative effect on quality of life. RESULT: It was determined that there was sexual dysfunction in patients with fibromyalgia and their quality of life was adversely affected. Key words: Pain, Sexual Dysfunction, Fibromyalgia, Disease, Quality of Life