Differences in menopausal symptoms and female sexual function by region and ethnicity in West Texas and Central Arizona: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate menopausal symptoms and sexual problems in Hispanic and non-Hispanic women in two Southwest areas.

Methods: An anonymous survey including the Green Climacteric Scale (GCS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and demographics was distributed to English and Spanish-speaking women age 40 to 60 in Scottsdale, Arizona, and West Texas. FSFI for sexually active women and GCS scores for the Hispanic and non-Hispanic women in Texas were analyzed with multivariable analysis and compared between Texas and Arizona for Non-Hispanic participants.

Results: Predominantly non-Hispanic women (70%), average age 51.5 (SD = 7.25) completed questionnaires (199 West Texas, 163 Scottsdale). A majority of sexually active women (88%) were found to be at risk of sexual dysfunction. Within the Texas cohort, GCS score was estimated to be 3.49 points lower (less symptoms) in Hispanic versus non-Hispanic participants [95% CI -6.58 to -0.40, P = 0.03], and FSFI score was estimated to be 2.31 points lower (more symptoms) in Hispanic versus non-Hispanic participants [95% CI -4.49 to -0.14, P = 0.04]. Among non-Hispanic women, GCS scores were lower (less symptoms) in Texas versus Arizona by 10.25 points [95% CI -14.83 to -5.66, P < 0.01], while FSFI scores were higher overall (less symptoms) in Texas by 3.65 points [95% CI 0.53-6.77), P = 0.02]. All FSFI and GCS scores were adjusted for multiple variables.

Conclusions: In a group of menopausal women from the Southwest, most reported symptoms were consistent with FSD, and the degree of sexual problems appeared to be greater in the Hispanic participants from Texas.