(029) Prevalence of Sexual Pain Among Cis-Gender Muslim Women in North America
Authors: Rahman S , Mohajir N , Ceesay H , Bdaiwi M , Khayr Y , Akthar W 
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Muslim women represent an underserved and underrepresented minority in North America. It is well documented that unconscious bias impacts the quality of healthcare delivery in the U.S. Stigmas related to sexual health in the Islamic culture may detrimentally impact a Muslim woman's ability to seek care as well. The prevalence rates of lifetime sexual pain disorders among all women, in general, are poorly studied and rates vary from 6 to 40% depending on the study. Even less has been studied in this population with an isolated study from one clinic demonstrating about a 14% prevalence of sexual pain in Muslim women with sexual dysfunction. It is important to understand the burden of sexual pain and dysfunction among Muslim women to improve the quality of their care.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sexual violence, sexual dysfunction, and spiritual abuse among Muslims aged 18-45 and understanding the barriers to seek healthcare and assistance.

Methods

A national cross-sectional, IRB approved study was implemented to investigate the above. Through the use of the Qualtrics online platform, a 151- question survey was designed and implemented which included questions about demographics as well as questions about religiosity, sexual dysfunction, sexual pain, varying types of sexual abuse, and follow-up treatment. Participants were recruited using a snowball sampling approach via social media, listserv outreach, office visits, and mobilizing key community partners to help disseminate the survey. Descriptive statistics were utilized to better understand the prevalence and will further attempt to examine the correlation between barriers to seeking assistance and identity, attitudes, and experiences of sexual violence.

Results

From March 2020 until November 2020, a total of 704 Muslims ranged from 18-45 years old across the United States and Canada responded to the survey. Of those, 86% identified themselves as cis-gender women. Of those women, 47% chose to answer the questions regarding sexual dysfunction and sexual pain and almost half of the respondents (42%) admitted to having a history of sexual pain and dysfunction. Among those women who had a history of sexual pain, 65% admitted that they had never sought help for their pain from any healthcare provider.

Conclusions

Sexual pain and sexual dysfunction are under-reported among Muslim women and there are clear barriers that need to be overcome to alleviate their suffering. This is the first national study of its kind that has looked at sexual dysfunction and sexual pain, specifically, and is a great stepping stone to further analysis and investigation. At least half of the cis-gender women in this national survey admitted to some experience with sexual dysfunction, more specifically sexual pain, in their lifetime and more than two-thirds of those did not seek treatment. Cultural and religious stigmas, as well as possible barriers to seeking healthcare by lack of cultural competence training by many providers, may be contributing to their lack of follow up for treatment. With additional studies and analysis as well as building awareness, we can better understand how to eliminate barriers and stigmas and increase education for this population.

Disclosure

No.