EPP228 - Association between Sexual Cognition and Sexual Dysfunction in Mexican Adult Women Survivors of Sexual Abuse
EPP228
Association between Sexual Cognition and Sexual Dysfunction in Mexican Adult Women Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Y. S. Ramírez Ruz 1,*, L. Carrillo Ramírez 2, I. Fernández Castillón 1
1Psychiatry, Tecnológico de Monterrey, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, , 2Psychiatry, Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Monterrey, Mexico
Introduction: Sexual abuse (SA) is a public health problem in Mexico, affecting 12.7% of women and associated with a high risk of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) present in 30-66% of cases. Beyond the biological, sexual cognition, defined as mental representations about sexuality, influences attitudes and sexual response. Its negative form may perpetuate dysfunction and psychological distress in cases of sexual abuse.
Objectives: To determine the association between sexual cognition and sexual dysfunction in adult female survivors of sexual abuse treated in a psychiatric hospital in Nuevo León, Mexico.
Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational study was conducted between May and July 2024, with the participation of 50 women with a history of sexual abuse. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected, and six validated questionnaires were applied: Index of Female Sexual Function (IFSF), Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), Female Sexual Self-Schema Scale (validated in Mexican population), PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PCL-5. Statistical analysis was done through descriptive, correlational and logistic regression models.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 29.4 years. Abuse onset occurred at a mean age of 15.5 years, with an estimated duration of 79.2 weeks; 70% of the women reported having suffered multiple episodes. The prevalence of FSD was 74% according to the IFSF and 50% according to the ASEX. A significant association was observed between negative sexual cognition and sexual dysfunction (ASEX, p = 0.002), which translated into a 6-fold increased risk of presenting FSD in women with negative sexual self-schemas (OR = 6.7; 95% CI: 1.9-23.3). A relationship was also observed between negative cognition and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (p = 0.001), while no associations were identified with depression, anxiety, sociodemographic factors, or the type or frequency of abuse.
Conclusions: A high prevalence of FSD was found in women with a history of sexual abuse, associated with negative sexual cognitions, independently of sociodemographic variables. This suggests that psychological factors, such as beliefs about sexuality, play a key role in dysfunction. This reflects the need for interventions focused on cognitive restructuring and comprehensive sexuality education to improve sexual health and quality of life in this vulnerable population.
Disclosure of Interest: None Declared