P–470 Sex in the time of Covid–19: Examining the sexual behavior and sexual desire of female adults in Hong Kong
Authors: Khoo D , So G , Chan C 
Published: August 2021

Study question

How are sexual behavior and sexual desire of Hong Kong women affected during the Covid–19 pandemic?

Summary answer

The Covid–19 pandemic has a negative impact on the sexual life of adult women, in particular, single women who do not have a live-in partner.

What is known already

Since the beginning of the Covid–19 pandemic, there have been ongoing debates on whether lockdown measures would do more harm on individuals or families who are already living in fear of virus infection. Some studies have shown that despite social distancing and measures that limit contact and interaction, women, particularly those who are either married or have a stable partner, were found to be sexually more active and reported stronger emotional bonding with their partners during lockdown. This study attempts to examine any significant changes in sexual behavior and sexual desire of adult females in Hong Kong during the pandemic.

Study design, size, duration

This is a cross-sectional online study examining the sexual behaviors among female adults. The survey was conducted in Hong Kong between July and August 2020, in which the city has been locked down.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Six hundred and two Chinese female adults (mean age = 32±7.09) were recruited through social media and community networks. Respondents completed the Desire Domain of the Female Sexual Function Index and self-reported frequency of sexual behavior before and during the Covid–19 pandemic. T-tests and ANOVAs were used to compare sexual behavior and sexual desire across demographic groups. Linear regression was conducted with sexual behavior and sexual desire as criterion variable and demographic characteristics as predictors.

Main results and the role of chance

Women reported significantly lower frequency of sexual behavior during the Covid–19 pandemic compared to previously (t = 8.25, P &lt; .001). Less often did women feel sexual desire or interest during the pandemic (t = 7.05, P &lt; .001) and a lower degree of sexual desire or interest was reported (t = 11.16, P &lt; .001). During the pandemic, women who were married or cohabitated reported significantly more frequent sexual behavior than did single women with partners (P &lt; .01), while the two groups were comparable in terms of the frequency and intensity of having sexual desire. Linear regression analyses showed a statistically significant reduction in frequency of sexual intercourse during Covid–19 with increasing age (B = -.19, P &lt; .001), and being single with (B = -.26, P &lt; .001) or without partner (B = -.40, P &lt; .001), taking into account all other demographic characteristics. Single women reported significantly less often did they feel sexual desire or interest during Covid–19, while age (B = -.26, P &lt; .001) and being single without a partner (B = -.22, P &lt; .001) predicted significantly lower intensity of sexual desire during Covid–19.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Women with either primary or secondary education level are not adequately represented as recruitment was carried out via community network and social media platform, which are more likely to be more accessible by a population who is more tech-savvy and has more access to email.

Wider implications of the findings: We are still in the middle of the pandemic and there is still paucity of data illustrating its impact on sexual life. Current findings could give insight to stakeholders to develop sexual health counselling services that address the negative effect on sexual intimacy arising from sexual behavioral change.

Trial registration number

Not applicable