Background: Gender inequality is characterized by limited access to education, employment, political
involvement, as well as medical care. International studies have shown that women
in societies with gender-equal sexual regimes have less sexual dysfunction than those
in male-centered sexual regimes. However, studies in some cultures have indicated
that women with higher education and women in employment actually have higher levels
of sexual dysfunction. Therefore, it is unclear if there is a relationship between
gender inequality in a society and sexual dysfunction among women and if so, whether
the relationship is positive or negative. Methods: Data on gender inequality and prevalence rates of female sexual dysfunction among
women age 49 and below were correlated for 35 countries/territories for which the
data were available. Gender inequality was assessed with the Gender Inequality Index;
prevalence rates of female sexual dysfunction were collected through a systematic
literature search. Studies were assessed for their quality and prevalence rates were
pooled, if necessary. Results: The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction ranged from 2.9% to 76%. Gender Inequality
Index values ranged from 0.054 to 0.580. A significant positive correlation of moderate
strength was found between gender inequality and the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction
(r = 0.430, p = 0.010). Conclusion: This study illustrates that gender inequality correlates with sexual dysfunction
in women of reproductive age. Continued efforts must be made to improve women's access
to health care, particularly reproductive health care, as well as to education, employment
and leadership, thereby mitigating gender inequality.
