Citation

McIntyre-Smith A, St Cyr K, King L. Mil. Med. 2015; 180(7): 817-824.

Affiliation

Operational Stress Injury Clinic, St. Joseph's Health Care London, Parkwood Institute - Main Building, 550 Wellington Street, London ON, N6C 0A7, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00125

PMID

26126254

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess potential predictors of sexual dysfunction and dissatisfaction in a sample of 99 current and former Canadian Forces members attending the Parkwood Hospital Operational Stress Injury Clinic for mental health treatment.

METHODS: Respondents completed a number of questionnaires assessing sexual functioning, post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity, health-related quality of life, and self-perceived masculinity traits.

RESULTS: Regression analyses revealed that role limitations because of physical problems predicted erectile functioning (β = 0.107, p = 0.075), whereas vitality predicted orgasmic functioning (β = 0.044, p = 0.032). Hypermasculinity was the strongest predictor of sexual desire (β = 0.466, p = 0.036), and sexual satisfaction was significantly predicted by bodily pain (β = 0.036, p = 0.019). Preliminary analyses revealed a significant mediating effect of bodily pain on the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity.

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a nuanced interplay between physical health and mental health factors regarding sexual functioning in treatment-seeking military personnel and veterans; however, further research is needed to better delineate the relationship between the 2.

Language: en