Sexual difficulties and help-seeking among mature adults in Australia: results from the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviours
Edson D. MoreiraA Unit of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Oswald Cruz Foundation, Rua Waldemar Falcão 121, Salvador, Bahia 40.295-001, Brazil.
B Pfizer Inc., 235 East 42nd Street, 235/4/MS5, Office 47, New York, NY 10017, USA.
C The University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
D Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, Litfield House, Clifton Down, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3 LS, England, UK.
E Corresponding author. Email: edson@cpqgm.fiocruz.br
F
Sexual Health 5(3) 227-234 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH07055
Submitted: 18 July 2007 Accepted: 7 February 2008 Published: 6 August 2008
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.
Additional keywords: epidemiology, health surveys, impotence, prevalence, sex, sexual disorders.
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the contribution of their colleagues on the study’s international Advisory Board: Gerald Brock (Canada), Jacques Buvat (France), Uwe Hartmann (Germany), Sae-Chul Kim (Korea), Edward Laumann (USA), Bernard Levinson (South Africa), Ken Marumo (Japan), Alfredo Nicolosi (Italy) and Ferruh Simsek (Turkey).
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* *GSSAB Investigators’ Group: Gerald Brock (Canada), Jacques Buvat (France), Uwe Hartmann (Germany), Sae-Chul Kim (Korea), Edward Laumann (USA), Bernard Levinson (South Africa), Ken Marumo (Japan), Alfredo Nicolosi (Italy) and Ferruh Simsek (Turkey).
Appendix 1: Ascertainment of sexual difficulties
Asked of every subject who had engaged in sexual intercourse (defined as any intimate behaviour including: penile–vaginal/anal intercourse, oral contact with genitals/breasts/nipples, or touching yours/other’s genitals) during the previous 12 months.
During the last year have you ever experienced any of the following for a period of two months or more when you … ? (PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY):
…lacked interest in having sex? [ ].
…were unable to reach climax? (experience orgasm) [ ].
…reached climax (experienced orgasm) too quickly? [ ].
…experienced physical pain during intercourse? [ ].
…did not find sex pleasurable? [ ].
…(MEN ONLY) had trouble achieving or maintaining an erection? [ ].
…(WOMEN ONLY) had trouble becoming adequately lubricated? [ ].
