Personality Traits and Anxiety among Patients with Female Sexual Dysfunction in Health Clinics in Malaysia

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a common disorder that can affect females worldwide. There is limited data available about its relationship with personality traits and other factors. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of FSD in health clinics and its association with personality traits and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). It was a cross-sectional study involving three health clinics in Melaka. The socio-demographic data was acquired from the respondents. The instruments used were Validated Malay version of Female Sexual Function Inventory (MVFSFI), Big Five Inventory (BFI) and GAD-7. These were used to assess respondent FSD, personality traits and screen for GAD symptoms. A total of 362 respondents were analysed. The prevalence of FSD was 10.5% while prevalence of GAD was 11.3%. Sexual desire disorder scored the highest prevalence which was 23.5%. Multivariable analysis showed that lower sexual frequency (p=0.023, AOR 4.32) and age group ≥40 years (p=0.006, AOR 4.11), no tertiary education (p=0.016, AOR 2.62) and neuroticism personality traits (p=0.001, AOR 2.78) were predictors of FSD. Neuroticism, older age, lower sexual frequency and lower education were associated with FSD but not GAD. Further research is paramount in understanding how GAD affects FSD patients for a more holistic treatment approach.