Comparação da função sexual entre mulheres brasileiras praticantes e não praticantes de religião: um estudo transversal

Abstract

Introduction: Female sexual function arises from the relationship between the physical, emotional and psychosocial state. Therefore, the interference of religious variables can generate behavioral indicators in a woman's sexuality, and consequently alter her sexual function. Objective: To compare the sexual function of Brazilian women who practice and do not practice religion. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional analytical study. The study population was composed of Brazilian women. Eligible women met the following criteria: (a) be aged between 18 and 49 years old (women of reproductive age between 10 and 17 years old were not included, due to ethical considerations), (b) be sexually active (with or without a partner ) for at least 4 weeks, (c) identify as cisgender women with heterosexual orientation and (d) have access to the internet. A sample of 285 women participated, divided into two groups: practitioners (n= 244) and non-practitioners (n= 41) of religion. Sociodemographic data were collected and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was applied. The data were statistically analyzed using the Student's T test for independent samples and to compare sexual function between religious and non-religious women. A significance level of 5% (p<0.05) was adopted. Results: The average age of the participants was 29.57±7.11 years. The majority were from the Northeast region (91.9%), with completed higher education (62.8%), self-declared as mixed race (46.3%), employed in the health sector (38.9%), social class D (2 to 4 Minimum Wages: R$ 1,874.00 to 3,784.00), Catholic (69.8%), report having a partnership (89.5%), nulliparous (55.2%), deny smoking (94 %) and alcoholism (28.4%), physical exercisers (56.8%). Regarding sexual function, there was no difference when compared to women who practice (26.56±7.12) and non-practitioners (27.47±6.93) of religion (p=0.94). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that there is no difference in sexual function between religiously practicing and non-religious Brazilian women. Highlighting the need for more studies focused on the topic, with more robust samples among the groups observed and with a specific methodological approach.