The Effect of Combined Oral Contraceptives on Sexual Function among Women of Reproductive Age in Jombang District, East Java

• Main Authors: Zeny Fatmawati, Uki Retno Budihastuti, Yulia Lanti Retno Dewi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret 2017-04-01
• Series: Journal of Maternal and Child Health
• Subjects: bio-psychology factor; oral contraceptive; female sexual function
• Online Access: http://www.thejmch.com/index.php?journal=thejmch&page=article&op=view&path%5B%5D=48&path%5B%5D=pdf

Background: Sexuality is an important and inseparable part of a woman's life. Mood and sexual related side-effects are frequently expressed problems by women of reproductive age who use hormonal contraceptives. This study aimed to analyze the effect of combined oral contraceptives on sexual function among women of reproductive age in Jombang District, East Java. Subjects and Method: This was an analytic observational study using cross-sectional design. The study was conducted at 5 community health centers (Mojoagung, Mojowarno, Jogoloyo, Jelak Ombo and Perak), Jombang District, East Java, from February to March 2017. A sample 120 women of reproductive age who use combined oral contraceptives was selected for this study. The dependent variable was female sexual function. The independent variables were combined oral contraceptives use, age, parity, menstrual cycle, depression, and body mass index. The data on depression was measured by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Body mass index was measured by anthropometry. Female sexual function was measured by female sexual function index. The data were analyzed by path analysis. Results: Female sexual function was negatively influenced by age (b=-0.21; SE = 0.05; p<0.001), depression (b= -0.44; SE=0.12; p<0.001), body mass index (b=-0.16; SE= 0.09; p=0.063), and duration of oral contraceptive use (b=-0.20; SE=0.13; p=0.121). Depression was influenced by body mass index (b=0.14; SE=0.07; p=0.037), duration of oral contraceptive use (b=0.30; SE= 0.10; p=0.003), and age (b=0.09; SE=0.04; p=0.018). Body mass index was influenced by age (b= 0.10; SE=0.05; p=0.036), and duration of oral contraceptive use (b= 0.48, SE = 0.13; p<0.001). Menstrual cycle was influenced by duration of oral contraceptive use (b =-0.05, SE=0.13, p=0.007), age (b=-0.02; SE=0.01; p=0.002), and body mass index (b=-0.05; SE=0.11; p<0.001). Conclusion: Female sexual function is negatively influenced by age, depression, body mass index, and duration of oral contraceptive use.