• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.85-98
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• 2000

Objective : There are four possible explanations for the sexual dysfunction of schizophrenics. The first is the possibility of a real structural aspect. The second possibility is that sexual function changes secondary to the illness. The third possibility is that there are medical and sociocultural barriers to sexual expression for chronic schizophrenics. The fourth possibility is that sexual dysfunction due to antipsychotic medication. However, we didn't know the precise cause of sexual dysfunction in schizophrenics. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of illness itself and antipsychotics on sexual dysfunction in male schizophrenics. Methods : The serum prolactin(PRL), testosterone(TST), and the plasma serotonin(5-HT) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay and high performance liquid chromatography method for 100 healthy male schizophrenics according to the DSM-IV. Concomitantly, the severity of psychotic symptoms using Clinical Global Impression(CGI), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale(BPRS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS), and the severity of side effects for antipsychotics using Extrapyramidal Side Effects Scale(EPSE), Anticholinergic Side Effects Scale(ACSE), the cognitive function using PANSS-Cognitive Function(PANSS-CF), Mini Mental State Exam-Korean(MMSE-K), and the sexual dysfunction using Sexual Functioning Questionnaire(SFQ), Questionnaire for Sexual Dysfunction in Men were assessed. The PRL, TST, and 5-HT levels of 50 healthy male controls who had no medical, neurological, and psychiatric illnesses were evaluated. The sexual function using SFQ(items FGa, FNa) were also assessed. Furthermore, the correlation with age, education, religion, economic status, age at onset, duration of illnesses, duration of admission, levels of PRL, TST, 5-HT, antipsychotic dosages, potency, benztropine, total duration of medication, EPSE, ACSE, CGI, BPRS, PANSS, PANSS-CF, MMSE-K and sexual dysfunctions were identified in male schizophrenics. Results : 1) The frequencies of sexual dysfunctions for schizophrenics(80%) were significantly(p<0.001) higher than those for controls(42%). The sexual dysfunctions according to sexual response cycle were 'low sexual desire' 76%, 'impairment of achieving erection' 75%, 'impairment of maintaining erection' 75%, 'impairment of obtaining orgasm' 32%, 'impairment in the quality of orgasm' 61%, 'impairment in quantity of ejaculate' 44%, 'premature ejaculation' 15%, and 'delayed ejaculation' 50%. 2) The PRL, 5-HT levels of schizophrenics($28.5{\pm}20.6ng/ml$, $298.5{\pm}89.1ng/ml$) were significantly(p<0.001) higher than those of controls($10{\pm}5.6ng/ml$, $169.2{\pm}37.8ng/ml$), while the TST levels of schizophrenics($4.3{\pm}1.5ng/ml$) and controls($4.5{\pm}1.2ng/ml$) were not significantly different. The sexual dysfunctions of schizophrenics who had abnormal 5-HT levels($4.7{\pm}1.3$ scores) were significantly(p<0.05) higher than those of who had normal 5-HT levels($3.8{\pm}1.6$ scores) on item D7. 3) The sexual dysfunctions of unmarried schizophrenics were significantly(p<0.01 : p<0.05) higher than those of married schizophrenics($6.1{\pm}2.8$ scores, $4.7{\pm}1.3$ scores on item FGa : ${\beta}$=-0.211 on item FNa). The sexual dysfunctions were positively correlated with the rise of 5-HT levels(r=0.209, p<0.05 on item D4 and r=0.241, p<0.05 on item D7), the higher age at onset(r=0.275, p<0.01 on item FNa : r=-0.202, p<0.05 on item FDa), the longer duration of illnesses(r=0.237, p<0.05 on item D6), the longer duration of admission(r=0.234, p<0.05 on item D4 : r=0.328, p<0.05 on item D6), the longer total duration of medication(r=0.237, p<0.05 on item D6). However, age, education, religion, economic status, PRL, TST levels, antipsychotics dosage, potency, benztropine, ACSE, CGI, BPRS, PANSS, PANSS-CF, MMSE-K scores were not correlated with increased sexual dysfunctions. Conclusions : Male schizophrenics have significantly more sexual dysfunction to compare with controls. The higher frequencies of sexual dysfunctions were low sexual desire and erectile disorder. The unmarried, higher age at onset, and longer duration of diseases were positively correlated with increased sexual dysfunctions. Also high 5-HT levels were positively correlated with increased sexual dysfunctions. This means that studies of plasma 5-HT levels, albeit questionable indicators of central 5-HT function, offer some additional support for the association of sexual dysfunction with excess 5-HT activity as primary pathology of schizophrenia. Our findings suggest that excess 5-HT activity seems to affect the patient's sexual function.

• The Korean Journal of Health Service Management
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.201-209
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• 2012

This study was conducted to identify prevalence of sexual dysfunction and to determine factors influencing sexual dysfunction in middle aged women. The participants were 285 middle aged women. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires which were constructed to include general characteristics, FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), sexual knowledge, sexual satisfaction. The mean score FSFI, sexual knowledge, sexual satisfaction were $14.82{\pm}5.74$, $11.25{\pm}2.67$, $45.84{\pm}8.60$, respectively. The score for sexual dysfunction showed significant difference age(F=3.52, p=.031) and health status(F=3.66, p=.013). Sexual dysfunction had significant positive correlation to sexual satisfaction(r=.46, p<001). Age and sexual satisfaction were significant predictor and accounted for 22% of the variance in sexual dysfunction middle aged women. Future sexual dysfunction management program for middle aged women should be considered their emotional, psychological, socio-environmental factors.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.47-54
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• 2009

Purpose: The physical deficits after stroke have been well documented, but there is little information on the sexual functions of stroke patients. This study examined the associations of the general characteristics with the poststroke changes in sexual functions. Methods: A survey was conducted on 200 stroke patients from November 2008 to February 2009. Among the 200 submitted questionnaires, 147 responded, and the results were analyzed by SPSS for windows version 14.0. Results: A majority of the stroke patients reported a marked decline in all the measured sexual functions, i.e., frequency of sexual intercourse, frequency of kissing and romantic touching, thinking about sex with interest or desire, ability to become sexually aroused and the overall level of sexual satisfaction. Significant differences were observed in age (p<0.01), years since diagnosis (p<0.05), and educational level (p<0.01). There were no significant gender differences (p>0.05). Conclusion: Decreased sexual function is a common problem after stroke. These finding demonstrate a need to develop sexual adaptation programs that can be effective in improving the sexual functions reported by stroke patients.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.148-164
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• 1996

The effect of circumvaginal muscle(CVM) exercises to improve sexual function in married women has not been investigated by currently acceptable research methods, nor have appropriate instruments and techniques to carry out such investigation been available. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of CVM exercise on sexual function, and of measuring CVM function after CVM exercises. The research tools used were a modified Derogates Sexual Function Inventory questionnaire and a pressure sensitive intravaginal balloon device. This research was conducted in Kwangju-city and Chonnam province, Korea from July, 1994 to July, 1995. The research used a non-equivalent control pre-post test quasi-experimental design. Forty-five healthy married female volunteers, aged 30-58, and were randomly assigned by age using the matching fixed-length blocks to two groups. The experimental group consisted of 21 women who were assigned a 25-minute per day CVM home exercise program for six weeks. The control group of 24 women did not do the CVM home exercises. The CVM home exercise was developed by Dougherty(1989a) and adopted to Korea by Lee (1993). Data were analyzed by $x^{2-}$test, Paired t-test, Spearman product-moment correlation using SAS /P $C^+. The results are summarized as follows : 1. There were no significant differences in the characteristics of the subjects between the experimental and control groups before the CVM home exercises. 2. Hypothesis 1 that married women who participated in CVM home exercises would have higher mean scores on the sexual function(SF) than in those who did not participate in home exercise was supported. 3. Hypothesis 2 that married women who participated in CVM home exercises would have higher vaginal pressure on SF than in those who did not participate in home exercises was supported (mean maximum pressure, t＝－7.338, P＜.0001, peak maximum pressure, t＝－11.164, P＜.0001). 4. Hypothesis 3 that the more often(number of days) and the more frequent (numbers of time per day) that married women do CVM home exercise, the higher their mean scores on SF and vaginal pressures was supported（r＝0.233, P＜.01 ; r＝0.352, P＜.05）. A six week CVM home exercise program using a tape recording showed that SF can be improved. Results of this study showed that married women who exercise on a regular basis for six weeks improve their sexual function and increase the mean vaginal pressure and peak maximum pressure (tested by electronic monitor). In conclusion, CVM exercise is effective in increasing SF.SF.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.311-320
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• 2019

This study is a descriptive study to investigate the relationship between sexual function, sleep quality, and depression in male cirrhosis patients. Data were collected from a structured questionnaire from August 16, 2017 to January 30, 2018. Data were collected by t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe test, Pearson correlation. AS a result, the lower the sexual function of male cirrhosis patients, the lower the quality of sleep (r=-.232, p =.005) and the higher the depression score (r=-.381, p<.001) The lower the score, the higher the score of depression (r=.561, p<.001). Sexual function, quality of sleep and depression were found to be statistically significant. The results of this study can be used as basic data for the development of nursing intervention for male cirrhosis patients.

• Asian Oncology Nursing
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.133-142
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing depression in breast cancer patients. Method: A descriptive correlational study design was used. A convenience sample of 155 subjects was recruited from the outpatient for breast cancer patients at one hospital in Gyeonggi, South Korea. Body image was measured with the category of "Body image" from the EORTC QLQ-BR23(European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Breast cancer version) and sexual function was measured with category of "sexual function" from it. Depression was measured with Korean version of Beck Depression Inventory(BDI). Results: The mean score of body image was relatively low(M = 54.44, SD = 30.92), of sexual function was low (M = 24.82, SD = 22.50), and of depression was relatively low(M =14.90, SD = 8.00). Depression had a significant relationship with body image(r = -.363, p = <.001), however, there was no significant relationship between depression and sexual function(r = -.137, p = .103). In the regression analysis, depression was found to be influenced significantly by monthly income and body image, these variables explained 28.8% of the variance in depression(F = 4.662. p = <.001). Conclusion: It suggests that nurses need to take into consideration body image and economic status in management depression in breast cancer survivors.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.585-595
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• 2013

Purpose: This study aimed to identify if participating in a sexual education program, influences knowledge, and healthcare attitude among attitudes of nurse clinicians in Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 210 Korean nurse clinicians. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires from July to August, 2011 from five hospitals in S and I cities. Data were analyzed using t-test, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression with SPSS/WIN 21.0. Results: This study reported that the majority of nurse clinicians had attended sexual programs about sexual harassment, reproductive system and function. There were significant correlations between experience of attending sexual education(r=.32, p=.003) and sexual knowledge(r=.14, p=.047) with sexual healthcare attitude. Sexual education on the job(${\beta}=.13$, p=.004), supplementary sexual education(${\beta}=.17$, p=.009), sexual knowledge(${\beta}=.16$, p=.048), and obstetrics and gynecology department carrier(${\beta}=.29$, p<.001) explained 14.0% of sexual healthcare attitude. Conclusion: This study's results demonstrate that advanced and continuous sexual health program is necessary for nurse clinicians. Proper sexual knowledge and positive attitude may promote nursing intervention and counseling concerning patients' sexual problems.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.713-722
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle exercise using electric stimulation and biofeedback on maximum pressure of vaginal contraction, vaginal contraction duration and sexual function in women who have had vaginal rejuvenation. Methods: The research design was a non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design study. Participants in this study were women who had vaginal rejuvenation at C obstetrics and gynecology hospital. The 15 participants in the experimental group were given pelvic floor muscle exercise using electric stimulation and biofeedback and the 15 participants in the control group received self pelvic floor muscle exercise. Results: For maximum pressure of vaginal contraction, the experimental group showed a statistically significant increase compared to than the control group (t=5.96, p <.001). For vaginal contraction duration, the experimental group also showed a statistically significant increase compared to the control group (t=3.23, p =.003). For women' s sexual function, the experimental group showed a significant increase when compared to the control group in total sexual function scores (t=3.41, p =.002). Conclusion: The results indicate that pelvic floor muscle exercise with electric stimulation and biofeedback after vaginal rejuvenation is effective in strengthening vaginal contraction pressure, vaginal contraction and that it also positively functions to increase women's sexual function.

• 한국균학회소식:학술대회논문집
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• 2014.05a
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• pp.39-39
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• 2014

In a homothallic filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, sexual and asexual developments are largely affected by the genetic and environmental factors. To regulate the complex subsets of genes involved in the developmental processes accurately, tight regulations of transcription factors are required. The forkhead type transcription factors are the class of regulators that function in a broad spectrum of cellular and developmental processes in many species from yeast to human. Here, we identified the fkhA and fkhB genes that encode a conserved forkhead transcription factors. The fkhA deletion resulted in the complete loss of fruiting body formation under all conditions favoring sexual development, suggesting that the fkhA gene is required for sexual development in A. nidulans. Overexpression of fkhA resulted in enhanced formation of fruiting bodies under induction condition not only in the normal condition but also in the condition of presence of 0.6 M KCl, which strongly inhibits sexual development. To know the function of the fkhB gene, we also generated fkhB knock-out strain in A. nidulans. Deletion of fkhB resulted in abnormal conidiophore formation under standard conditions and delayed sexual development process, suggesting that the fkhB gene plays an important role in conidiophore morphogenesis Taken together, these results suggest that the fkhA gene is necessary and sufficient for regulating sexual development and the fkhB gene is a transcription factor related in asexual developmental process in A. nidulans.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.104-115
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a web-based sexual health program for women undergoing treatment for gynecologic cancer and their partners, and to evaluate the validity of the developed program. Methods: A web-based sexual health program was developed and evaluated: analysis (needs assessment on 23 patients and content analysis through literature review and web search), design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Results: The web-based sexual health program for women undergoing treatment for gynecologic cancer and their partners was structured with sexual life, sexual response cycle, change of sexual function, sexual dysfunction related to treatment, and useful method for sexual dysfunction. This program included a video to improve for understanding and a bulletin board to promote bi-directional interactions between program users and providers. Experts and users rated this program in terms of efficacy, convenience, design, relevance, and usefulness. This program contents were found appropriate and satisfactory to both experts and users. Conclusion: This web-based sexual health program for women undergoing treatment for gynecologic cancer and their partners would contribute to sexual health promotion for gynecologic cancer women and their partners.