Sexual Dysfunction and Depression in Turkish Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The aim of this study is to examine sexual dysfunction (SD) and depression in Turkish women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Forty-five women were included in the sampling. The study inclusion criteria were: literate, 18 years or older, able to speak, understand and communicate verbally in Turkish, not pregnant, having active sexual life, agreed to participate in the study. Patients had been diagnosed with DM at least 6 months before conducting the study. The instrument included questions about demographic variables. In addition, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory were used. It was determined that the women between the ages 22 and over 50, primary school graduates, unemployed and those living in large family, those suffering from diabetes for more than 10 years were more SD and had higher level of depression than the other groups. A significant positive correlation was found between SD and depression. It was also found that as the level of depression of the patients increased, the mean subtotal and total FSFI scores decreased.