The relationship between sexual behavior and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online survey study

ABSTRACT

Purpose: In addition to its psychologically and socially negative effects on society, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the sexual behavior of individuals. This study investigated the relationship between changes in sexual drive and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Materials and methods: The data of this cross-sectional study were collected using a web-based survey between May 12 and August 12, 2021, with the voluntary participation of 231 individuals. The survey form included questions on sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, employment status, sex life before and during the COVID-19 pandemic period and status of having a partner, and COVID-19 diagnostic status, in addition to the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Results: A reduction in sexual drive in the pandemic period was reported by 71 (30.7%) participants. The group whose sexual drive decreased had significant differences in terms of age, marital status, the status of having children, and Warwick-Edinburgh scale scores compared to the groups whose sexual drive increased or remained unchanged (respectively, p=0.009, p=0.039, p=0.041, and p<0.001). According to the logistic regression model, for every one-year increase in age corresponded to 8% (95% CI 3-12%) increase in the risk of reduced sexual drive (p=0.001), and a 1-unit increase in Warwick-Edinburgh scale scores corresponded to a 16% (95% CI 10-22%) decrease (p<0.001). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the sexual drives and behavior of the participants. Increased age and lower mental well-being levels were associated with lower sexual drive. Programs aimed at improving mental well-being will have a beneficial effect on sexual behavior. © 2023, Pamukkale University. All rights reserved.