Sexual dysfunction and marital satisfaction among the chemically injured veterans

Introduction: Researches show that chronic illnesses may affect marital adjustment and sexual function. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to recognize marital satisfaction, sexual dysfunction and demographic factors among Chemically Injured Veterans (CIV).

Materials and methods: In this descriptive research, we selected and studied 185 cases of CIVs referred to Tehran's hospitals. Data gathering tools were Enrich Marital Satisfaction Scale and structured interview. The items of interview included 28 questions about sexual dysfunction according to DSM-IV-r. The statistical methods were T-test, ANOVA and Correlation.

Results: The results show that 45.5%, i.e. nearly half of the CIV subjects were dissatisfied with their marriage and marital relationship and the dissatisfaction level in 11% was very high. Other results show that 65/4% of veterans with chemical injuries suffered from a kind of sexual dysfunction. The most common dysfunctions were: erectile problem and libido reduction by 49.2% and 48.6% respectively. Also, results show that there was a relation between demographic factors and sexual dysfunction in CIVs.

Discussion: As far as the results show, sexual libido reduction rate in CIVs is like that in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Therefore, sex therapy, psychotherapy and couple therapy must be a component of the treatment of CIVs.