Reproductive Health, Sexual Function and Satisfaction Levels in Women with Physical, Hearing, and Visual Disabilities

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the reproductive health, sexual function and sexual satisfaction levels of women with disabilities. The sample of the study was selected in cooperation with associations and foundations, whose members were individuals with disabilities. The study had a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational design and was performed between September 2017 and September 2019. Data were collected by using an introduction form, the Female Sexual Function Index and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale. Analysis was performed on the data collected from 67 women with disabilities, who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Of 67 women, 32.6% did not use any family planning methods. In addition, 83.7% reported that they were satisfied with their sexual life, but 25.6% reported that having disabilities had a negative impact on their sexual life. The percentage of sexual dysfunction was 73% among the women. Sexual dysfunction was below the expected value in women with vision disability. However, it was above the expected value in women with hearing disability. In conclusion, reproductive health and sexual dysfunction are challenges that are frequently experienced by women with disabilities.