IMPACT OF SYSTEMIC ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION (SAH) ON THE SEXUAL FUNCTION OF CISGENDER WOMEN ATTENDED IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE (PHC)

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Hypertension is a chronic multifactorial disease and a relevant public health problem, especially after the age of 50, when hormonal factors of menopause increase female sensitivity to the condition. This study aimed to analyze the impact of hypertension on the sexual function of cisgender women treated in Primary Health Care. This is a cross-sectional, observational, and quantitative study with participants from Family Health Units (USF). Inclusion criteria included cisgender women, over 18 years of age, diagnosed with hypertension and sexually active in the last four weeks, excluding those with severe psychiatric or neurological disorders. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used for data collection. The sample included 38 women, with a mean age of 49.23 years, of whom 86.84% declared themselves non-white, 71.05% had some occupation, 65.78% were married, and 50% had incomplete elementary education. The mean FSFI found in the sample was 19.4, suggesting the presence of difficulties in sexual function among the participants evaluated. Reduced scores were observed, especially in the domains of arousal, orgasm and satisfaction. These findings point to a possible association between hypertension and changes in female sexual function. These results reinforce the importance of considering aspects of sexual health in the approaches carried out in health units, aiming to qualify the care offered to this population.