Comparison of anthropometric profile, bone-related parameters, biochemical parameters, functional capacity, and vitamin D status – A study on postmenopausal Malaysian women

@#Introduction: The optimal level of total 25(OH)D in Malaysian postmenopausal women that is necessary to ameliorate the combined effects of decreased bone mineral and muscle mass, and increase in adiposity, as seen in osteosarcopenic obesity, is unknown. Given that these are common pathologies existing in bone, muscle and excess fat-related disorders, this study investigated the association between body composition, functional capacity and total 25(OH)D levels. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 117 postmenopausal Malaysian women aged 50-88 years. Total 25(OH)D was analysed by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay CMIA on Siemens® platforms. Bone mineral was measured by broadband ultrasound attenuation. Functional performance was assessed using modified components of short physical performance battery test. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25.0). Results: Overall, 47% women were vitamin D deficient; 3% had none, 22% had one, 65% had two, and 10% had all three adverse body composition indicators (osteosarcopenic obesity). Individuals without any adverse body composition indicator had higher total 25(OH) D (74.7±7.0nmol/L, p=0.004) compared to all the other groups [1 (53.0±3.8nmol/L); 2 (48.7±1.9nmol/L) and 3 (58.3±5.4nmol/L)]. The single inflection point (ROC curve) for total 25(OH)D in predicting osteosarcopenic obesity was 58.9nmol/L. Conclusion: Higher vitamin D levels were associated with lower body fat, enhanced bone quality, and improved functional capacity. Maintaining vitamin D levels above >58.9nmol/L may protect Malaysian postmenopausal women against the combined pathologies of bone, muscle and excess fat.

The Prevalence Of Orgasmic Dysfunction Among Malaysian Women Receiving Antidepressant: A Comparison Between Escitalopram And Fluoxetine

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of Female Orgasmic Dysfunction (FOD) focusing on the orgasm domain among female patients attending PPUKM Psychiatric clinic. To compare the prevalence of orgasmic dysfunction between female patients on Escitalopram and on Fluoxetine therapy. Methods: A validated questionnaire for sexual function was used to assess orgasmic function. A total of 112 women aged between 24 and 57 participated in this study. The orgasmic dysfunction was compared between patients on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) fluoxetine and escitalopram. Results: The prevalence of female orgasmic dysfunction was 58.9% (33/56) among patients treated with Fluoxetine and 41.1% (23/56) among patients treated with Escitalopram. However, there was no statistically significant difference between these two treatment groups (p=0.059). The odds to have FOD among patients on higher dose of antidepressants was found to be higher compared to those patients who were on lower dose of antidepressants (Odds ratio 5.32, p= 0.001). Conclusion: There was no significant difference of Female Orgasmic Dysfunction between patients on Fluoxetine and Escitalopram

Sexual Desire and Sexual Arousal In Malaysian Women : Are They Of The Same Entity?

Objective: To investigate the correlation between sexual desire and sexual arousal among Malaysian women in a primary care setting. Methods: The Malay Version of Female Sexual Function Index (MVFSI) was used to assess low sexual desire and lack of sexual arousal among the respondents. A total of 230 married women aged 18 – 70 years old participated in this study. Their sociodemographic, marital profiles and correlation between low sexual desire and lack of sexual arousal were examined. Results: More than 60% respondents with low sexual desire have co-exist low sexual arousal and 94.4% respondents with high sexual desire do have high sexual arousal ( χ²= 79.6, p <0.001 ), with correlation of r = 0.852. Conclusions: The strong correlation between sexual desire and arousal has both diagnostic and therapeutic indications, and may also strongly support the circular model (Basson-inspired model) of sexual response among women.

The prevalence of female sexual dissatisfaction and the dominant risk factors that may impair sexual satisfaction in Malaysian women.

The study aims were to investigate the prevalence of sexual dissatisfaction and the potential risk factors. This was a cross-sectional study on women attending primary care setting in Malaysia over a period of March to June 2005, and used a non-probability sampling method. A validated questionnaire for sexual function was used. A total of 230 married women aged 21 – 62 years old participated in this study. The ressults show that the majority of the respondents were less than 45 years old, predominantly Malays, and with higher academic achievement. We noted that 52.2% (120/230) study subjects had sexual dissatisfaction. Race, salary, education level, medical problems, dysmenorrhea, and menacrhe were likely not correlated with sexual dissatisfaction. The dominant risk factor related to sexual dissatisfaction was age of husband. In additional, sexual dissatisfaction was moderately (P = 0.077) related to sexual per month. The subjects who had their husbands aged 43-75 years compared with 24-42 years had 68% increased risk to experience sexual dissatisfaction [adjusted relative risk (RRa = 1.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15 - 2.44]. In term of sexual frequency per month, those who had 1-3 times per month than 4-5 times per month had two-fold increased risk to experience sexual dissatisfaction (RRa = 2.03; 95% CI = 0.93-4.42; p = 0.077). In conclusion, the prevalence of sexual dissatisfaction was very high in Malaysian primary care population and it was strongly associated with women who married to an older husband and with infrequent sexual activity.

The prevalence of genital arousal disorder during sexual activity and potential risk factors that may impair genital arousal among Malaysian women

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of genital arousal disorder and the potential risk factors that may impair genital arousal among women at a primary care setting in Malaysia. Methods: A validated questionnaire for sexual function was used to assess genital arousal function. A total of 230 married women aged 18–70 years old participated in this study. Their sociodemographic and marital profiles were compared between those who had genital arousal disorder and those who did not. The risk factors were examined. Results: The prevalence of genital arousal disorder in the primary care population was 50.4% (116/230). Women with genital arousal disorder were found to be significantly higher in groups of more than 45 years old (p55) (p =.001), those having 4 children or more (p=.028), those having less sexual intercourse (less than 1–2 times a week) (p=.001), and those at post-menopausal state (p=.002). There was no significant difference between these two groups in term of salary (p=.29), suffering from medical problems (p=.32), dysmenorrhea (p=.95), menarche (p=.5) and hormonal replacement therapy (p=.6). Conclusion: Women with infrequent sexual intercourse are less likely to be sexually aroused (OR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.11-0.74).