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https://www.arca.fiocruz.br/handle/icict/27677
SEXUAL DIFFICULTIES AND HELP-SEEKING AMONG MATURE ADULTS IN AUSTRALIA: RESULTS FROM THE GLOBAL STUDY OF SEXUAL ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS
Inquéritos de saúde
Impotência
Prevalência
Sexo
Distúrbios sexuais
Author
Affilliation
Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Gonçalo Moniz. Laboratório de Epidemiologia Molecular e Bioestatística. Salvador, BA, Brasil
Pfizer Inc. New York, NY, USA
The University of New South Wales Sydney. Sydney, NSW, Australia
Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Gonçalo Moniz. Laboratório de Epidemiologia Molecular e Bioestatística. Salvador, BA, Brasil
Bristol Urological Institute. Southmead Hospital. Litfield House. England, UK
GSSAB Investigators’ Group
Pfizer Inc. New York, NY, USA
The University of New South Wales Sydney. Sydney, NSW, Australia
Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Gonçalo Moniz. Laboratório de Epidemiologia Molecular e Bioestatística. Salvador, BA, Brasil
Bristol Urological Institute. Southmead Hospital. Litfield House. England, UK
GSSAB Investigators’ Group
Abstract
Background: The Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviours was a survey of 27 500 men and women in
29 countries. Here we report the sexual activity, the prevalence of sexual difficulties and related help-seeking behaviour
among participants in Australia. Methods: A telephone survey was conducted in Australia in 2001--2002, with interviews
based on a standardised questionnaire. A total of 1500 individuals (750 men and 750 women) aged 40 to 80 years
completed the survey. The questionnaire covered demographic information, overall health, and sexual behaviours, attitudes
and beliefs. Results: Overall, 83% of men and 74% of women had engaged in sexual intercourse during the 12 months
preceding the interview, and 38% of all men and 29% of all women engaged in sexual intercourse more than once a week.
Early ejaculation (23%), erectile difficulties (21%) and a lack of sexual interest (18%) were the most common male sexual
difficulties. The most frequently reported female sexual difficulties were: lack of sexual interest (33%), lubrication
difficulties (26%) and an inability to reach orgasm (25%). Older age was a significant predictor of male erectile difficulties
and of lubrication difficulties in women. Only a minority of men and women had sought help for their sexual difficulty(ies)
from a health professional. Conclusions: Many middle-aged and older adults in Australia report continued sexual interest
and sexual activity. Several sexual difficulties are highly prevalent in this population, but those experiencing these
difficulties rarely seek medical help. This may be because they do not perceive such difficulties as serious or sufficiently
upsetting.
Keywords in Portuguese
EpidemiologiaInquéritos de saúde
Impotência
Prevalência
Sexo
Distúrbios sexuais
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