Dependence on Internet and its Relationship with Sexuality and Sexual Satisfaction in Married Men and Women Covered by Health Centers in Tabrizin 2020

Abstract

Abstract Background: Internet dependency has become one of the 21st century dilemmas, affecting different aspects of married life such as sexual relationships. Considering the importance of family in the Iranian society, this study aimed to determine how internet dependency related to sexual desires and satisfaction among the married clients. Materials & Methods: This is a cross sectional study that includes 326 married clients referred to healthcare centers in Tabriz city between February to August 2019. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used based on the health complexes and their covered healthcare centers. One of the healthcare centers covered by each complex was selected randomly. Data collection tools included demographic characteristics checklist, Internet addiction questionnaire, Sexual Satisfaction Index, and Hurlbert Index. Data was analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient test and multiple linear regression. Results: The mean (SD) of internet dependency among participants was 37.33 (15.37) and for sexual desire and sexual satisfaction were respectively 59.20 (17.27) and 104.45 (22.81). There was a negative correlation between internet dependency and sexual satisfaction (P<0.001). This correlation remained significant (B=-0.41, P<0.001) even when job (B=3.66, P= 0.01), satisfaction of married life (B=15.34, P<0.001), and sexual desire (B=0.60, P<0.001) as potential confounding factors were adjusted. Conclusions: Findings suggest that internet dependency can cause a reduction in sexual desire and sexual satisfaction. Designing educational interventions in healthcare centers in order to manage the use of internet and to inform clients about the effects that Internet dependence may have, is suggested.