Mediation effects of individuals’ sexual quality of life on the relationship between sexual quality of life of partners and its predictors: a path analysis

Sexual function and the sexual quality of life of an individual could be influenced by several factors. Sexual dysfunction could affect the sexual quality of life of the individual and, possibly, have an impact on their partners. Treatments that improve sexual function among individuals tend to improve the sexual quality of life of their partners. This study explored the mechanism by which an individual’s sexual quality of life mediates the relationship between factors, such as age, sexual dysfunction, perception of IELT, and the partner’s sexual quality of life. Path analysis was used to determine if this effect was via direct or indirect mechanisms. Outpatients attending the Maamobi and Tema General Hospitals, as well as their partners, were recruited for this study. A total of 130 males and their partners, as well as 116 females and their partners, were recruited. The GRISS was used to evaluate the sexual function of participants. The sexual quality of life questionnaire was used to evaluate participants and their partners. Ageing in both sexes had a direct effect on the sexual quality of life of their partners. Ageing also indirectly compromises the sexual quality of life of male partners. Impotence indirectly affects the sexual quality of life of female partners. Vaginismus indirectly affected the sexual quality of life of their male partners. Among the male participants, avoidance of sexual activity had both direct and indirect effects on the sexual quality of life of their female partners. Avoidance of sexual activity by female participants only had an indirect effect on the sexual quality of life of the male partners. Ageing in both sexes, directly compromises the sexual quality of life of their partners.