The relationship between sexual behavior and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online survey study

Purpose: In addition to its psychologically and socially negative effects on society, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the sexual behavior of individuals. This study investigated the relationship between changes in sexual drive and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Materials and methods: The data of this cross-sectional study were collected using a web-based survey between 12 May and August 12, 2021, with the voluntary participation of 231 individuals. The survey form included questions on sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, employment status, sex life before and in the COVID-19 pandemic period and status of having a partner, and COVID-19 diagnostic status, in addition to the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Results: A reduction in sexual drive in the pandemic period was reported by 71 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(30.7%); of the participants. The group whose sexual drive decreased had significant differences in terms of age, marital status, the status of having children, and Warwick-Edinburgh scale scores compared to the groups whose sexual drive increased or remained unchanged insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(respectively, p=0.009, p=0.039, p=0.041, and p<0.001);. According to the logistic regression model, each a 1-year increase in age corresponded to a 8% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(95% CI: 3-12%); increase in the risk of reduced sexual drive insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p=0.001);, and a 1-unit increase in Warwick-Edinburgh scale scores corresponded to a 16% insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(95% CI: 22%-10%); decrease insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001);. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the sexual drives and behavior of the participants. Increased age and lower mental well-being levels were associated with lower sexual drive. Programs aimed at improving mental well-being will have a beneficial effect on sexual behavior.