Research Article
The role of cognitive distraction in sexual dysfunction in female medical resident doctors
Salma Hentati*, Rim Masmoudi, Fatma Guermazi, Farah Cherif, Ines Feki, Imen Baati, Rim Sallemi and Jawaher Masmoudi
Published: 31 May, 2022 | Volume 6 - Issue 1 | Pages: 017-020
Introduction: Studies have shown a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Medical residents. Psychological, interpersonal, and sociocultural factors play an important role in sexual vulnerability. In addition, distraction or interference in the cognitive process of the erotic stimulus plays an important role in the development of sexual dysfunction.
The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions among a sample of married female medical resident doctors and to explore its relation with cognitive distraction during sex.
Subjects and methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which was carried out in October 2017 with 70 married female medical resident doctors. We used the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for sexual functioning assessment and the cognitive distraction during sex scale.
Results: The mean age of women was 30.52 years. They had been married for 6.04 years on the mean. The majority (74%) had children. According to the FSFI, 40% of resident doctors had sexual dysfunction. The mean cognitive distraction during sex score was 4.37.
In our study, women with female sexual dysfunction reported significantly lower sexual desire score = 3.2 vs. 4.1 and p = 0.03) and arousal (score = 3.è vs. 4.7 and p = 10-3), decreased lubrication (score = 3.8 vs. 5.1; p = 10-3), less sexual satisfaction (score = 3.9 vs. 5.8; p = 10-3)
and higher orgasm difficulties (score = 3.4 vs. 5.1; p = 10-3). Yet, our results highlighted that women with female sexual dysfunction presented significantly more cognitive distraction during sex (score = 3.9 vs. 4.6; p = 0.03).
Conclusion: According to our study, it appears that the prevalence of FSD in medical resident doctors is considerable. Besides, intrusive thoughts and cognitive distraction during sexual intercourse are importantly associated with sexual functioning. Therefore, several measures should be implemented in this population to prevent or act on these factors.
Read Full Article HTML
DOI: 10.29328/journal.apmh.1001037
Cite this Article
Read Full Article PDF
Keywords:
Cognitive distraction; Sexual dysfunction; Female; Medical resident
References
- Tavares IM, Moura CV, Nobre PJ. The Role of Cognitive Processing Factors in Sexual Function and Dysfunction in Women and Men: A Systematic Review. Sex Med Rev. 2020 Jul;8(3):403-430. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2020.03.002. Epub 2020 May 10. PMID: 32402763.
- Geer JH, Fuhr R. Cognitive factors in sexual arousal: the role of distraction. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1976 Apr;44(2):238-43. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.44.2.238. PMID: 1254757.
- Adam F, Day J, Sutter P de, Brasseur C. Analyse processuelle des facteurs cognitifs du trouble de l’orgasme féminin. /data/revues/11581360/v26i3/S1158136016301013/ [Internet]. 12 août 2017 [cité 23 juin 2020]; Disponible sur: https://www.em-consulte.com/en/article/1135420
- Fekih-Romdhane F, Zid AB, Ridha R, Masmoudi J, Cheour M. Évaluation de la fonction sexuelle dans un groupe de résidentes en médecine mariées. /data/revues/11581360/v28i2/S1158136018300215/ [Internet]. 2 avr 2019 [cité 23 juin 2020]; Disponible sur: https://www.em-consulte.com/en/article/1285647
- Rosen R, Kountz D, Post-Zwicker T, Leiblum S, Wiegel M. Sexual communication skills in residency training: the Robert Wood Johnson model. J Sex Med. 2006 Jan;3(1):37-46. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2005.00135.x. PMID: 16409216.
- Wiegel M, Meston C, Rosen R. The female sexual function index (FSFI): cross-validation and development of clinical cutoff scores. J Sex Marital Ther. 2005 Jan-Feb;31(1):1-20. doi: 10.1080/00926230590475206. PMID: 15841702.
- Brassard A, Tousignant S, Lussier Y, Gagné AL. Validation préliminaire de l’échelle des distractions cognitives lors des relations sexuelles. Science et Comportement (2020), 30(1) 43 - 54.
- Dove NL, Wiederman MW. Cognitive distraction and women's sexual functioning. J Sex Marital Ther. 2000 Jan-Mar;26(1):67-78. doi: 10.1080/009262300278650. PMID: 10693117.
- Ferguson GG, Nelson CJ, Brandes SB, Shindel AW. The sexual lives of residents and fellows in graduate medical education programs: a single institution survey. J Sex Med. 2008 Dec;5(12):2756-65. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01002.x. Epub 2008 Sep 24. PMID: 18823324.
- Jaafarpour M, Khani A, Khajavikhan J, Suhrabi Z. Female sexual dysfunction: prevalence and risk factors. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013 Dec;7(12):2877-80. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2013/6813.3822. Epub 2013 Dec 15. PMID: 24551663; PMCID: PMC3919309.
- Burri A, Spector T. Recent and lifelong sexual dysfunction in a female UK population sample: prevalence and risk factors. J Sex Med. 2011 Sep;8(9):2420-30. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02341.x. Epub 2011 Jun 15. PMID: 21676186.
- Clayton AH, Kingsberg SA, Goldstein I. Evaluation and Management of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder. Sex Med. 2018 Jun;6(2):59-74. doi: 10.1016/j.esxm.2018.01.004. Epub 2018 Mar 6. PMID: 29523488; PMCID: PMC5960024.
- West SL, D'Aloisio AA, Agans RP, Kalsbeek WD, Borisov NN, Thorp JM. Prevalence of low sexual desire and hypoactive sexual desire disorder in a nationally representative sample of US women. Arch Intern Med. 2008 Jul 14;168(13):1441-9. doi: 10.1001/archinte.168.13.1441. PMID: 18625925.
- Shifren JL, Monz BU, Russo PA, Segreti A, Johannes CB. Sexual problems and distress in United States women: prevalence and correlates. Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Nov;112(5):970-8. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181898cdb. PMID: 18978095.
- Géonet M, De Sutter P, Zech E. Les facteurs cognitifs dans le désir sexuel hypoactif féminin. Sexologies. 1 janv 2013;22(1):10‑
- Tavares IM, Laan ETM, Nobre PJ. Cognitive-Affective Dimensions of Female Orgasm: The Role of Automatic Thoughts and Affect During Sexual Activity. J Sex Med. 2017 Jun;14(6):818-828. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.04.004. Epub 2017 May 3. PMID: 28479134.
- Silva E, Pascoal PM, Nobre P. Beliefs About Appearance, Cognitive Distraction and Sexual Functioning in Men and Women: A Mediation Model Based on Cognitive Theory. J Sex Med. 2016 Sep;13(9):1387-1394. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.06.005. Epub 2016 Jul 18. PMID: 27444158.
- Brotto LA, Heiman JR. Mindfulness in sex therapy: Applications for women with sexual difficulties following gynecologic cancer. Sex Relatsh Ther. 1 févr 2007;22(1):3‑11.
Figures: