Evaluating the relationship between sexual function and marital satisfaction in married Kurdish women in year 2016

BACKGROUND: Sexual satisfaction and ultimately marital satisfaction have a significant role in couples' adaptation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sexual function and marital satisfaction of married Kurdish women referred to health centers in Sanandaj, Iran, in 2016. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 married women referred to health centers in Sanandaj City in 2016. Sexual function information was collected using the standard Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. In order to investigate the marital satisfaction, the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Inventory (MSI) was also used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Pearson correlation test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. RESULTS: In terms of adultery scales, the sexual satisfaction for majority of women was moderate. The average score of sexual satisfaction was 20.37 ± 8.40 from 36. Between sexual satisfaction with age (r = 0.223) and spouse's age (r = 0.26), correlation was inversely significant (P = 0.0001). Sexual function was significantly correlated with the level of adultery scales including sexual satisfaction, communication, conflict resolution, and ideal distortion (P < 0.0500). CONCLUSION: Given that sexual performance in this study was moderate and there was a relationship between sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction, sexual education and counseling to women and men during marriage by health and social systems is recommended.