P R E S S   R E L E A S E

         There are not many local studies on sexual dysfunction.  Recently the Centre for Clinical Trials and Epidemiological Research of the Faculty of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong carried out a territory-wide research to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with sexual dysfunction in the adult male and female, the first comprehensive large scale population based study carried out in Chinese populations.

        The study used a special computer-telephone interactive survey method, and successfully interviewed 1571 male and 1656 female Chinese Hong Kong residents of age 18 - 59.  The method was specially designed by the Centre and has been proven to be is more reliable in collecting data of a sensitive nature.  The questionnaire was adapted from an article published in an authoritative journal, The Journal of American Medical Association.

        Professor Helen Chiu Fung-Kam, Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, CUHK pointed out some sexual dysfunction such as erectile problems, pain, problem in lubrication, anxiety and lack of interest for sexual life, etc. are closely related to psychological wellbeing and data on these aspects are insufficient.

        Dr. Joseph Lau Tak-Fai, Director of the Centre for Clinical Trials and Epidemiological Research, CUHK said sexual health constitute to an important part of healthy life.  According to the study, among adults of age 18 to 59, 50.9% of the males and 53% of females had experienced at least one or more sexual dysfunction problems (listed in table 1) for at least 3 consecutive months in the last 12 months.  The prevalence of sexual dysfunction increased with age.

        Except for anxiety associated with sex and one other dysfunction problem, women seemed to be more likely to be facing some sexual dysfunction problems (such as pain, lack of orgasm, no pleasure in sexual life and losing interest in sexual life, etc.).  In general, these conditions were more prevalent in women than in men.  In fact, somewhere 20-25% of all adult women in Hong Kong were experiencing either of the four above-mentioned problems.

        About 10% of the men in Hong Kong had a persistent erectile problem (at least 3 consecutive months in the past 12 months).  The prevalence was about 5% for men below 30 and it increased to 9% for men of 30-50 of age and to 23% for men who were in their fifties (see Figure 1).  For women, about 1/4 (24.1%) had a problem in lubricating and the prevalence of the problem also increased sharply with age.  Older men and older women were also more likely to be unable to achieve orgasm or feel that sex is not pleasurable.  In addition, about 11.4% of men and 2.7% of women felt bothered for unable to find a sex partner.  For men under 30, the proportion was as high as 17%.

        About 90% of men considered sexual life was important to them.  Even among those in their fifties, the proportion was as high as 87%.  For women of age 30-39, 70-80% considered sexual life was important; the proportion dropped to about 60% for those who were in the forties, and 50% for women in their fifties.

        Only 52% of all men and 33% of women felt that they had adequate knowledge about sex.  Sex education in school did not work and data reflected the failure.

        The research showed that about 23% of women and about 21% of men had encountered at least one type of sexual dysfunction problems for at least 3 consecutive months in the last 12 months and at the same time and were bothered by these sexual problems.  Sexual dysfunction problems were significantly associated with how one would rate one's life satisfaction in general.  For instance, among those who had an erectile problem, only 40% were satisfied with his life while for other men without an erectile problem, 60% were satisfied.  Sexual dysfunction were also related to the mental health and perceived vitality of life, and associated with depression and unsatisfactory marital relationship.  It is possible that sexual dysfunction problems affected mental health or vice versa; but both possibilities are implicative.  Furthermore, for men and women who were bothered for unable to find a sex partner, association with less life satisfaction, poorer quality of life and higher prevalence of depression were found.

        The study also revealed that those facing family pressure, work pressure, financial pressure had a increased chance of 1.5 to 2 times higher to have one or more problems in sexual dysfunction than those who are not.  For men who do not exercise, men who smoked at least 1 pack of cigarettes and those who drink at least once a month and on average more than 5 glasses each time, or those who abused substances, they had a chance of 1.5 to 3 times as high as those men who do not have these habits.  Women who drank much or who abused substances were likely to be affected in similar ways.  Inadequate sexual knowledge, poor health and lower education were also associated with higher chances of sexual dysfunction problems.

        The Hong Kong figures are very comparable with those of the United States.

        Dr. Lau pointed out problems about sexual health have been neglected by medical professionals and by all walks of life for a long time in Hong Kong.  This study has shown that problems on sexual function are both common and severe.  It is closely related to mental health problems and the quality of life and may turn into vicious cycles.  Unhealthy life styles may also lead to sexual dysfunctions.  In fact, those who have some exercise are doing far better than those who do not exercise.  Sexual health should be promoted or preserved by taking care of physical and mental health.  The health consequences of recession and financial pressure are also reflected in the arena of sexual dysfunctions.

        The government should hence allocate more resources to educate citizens on different problems associated with sexual health and how to face their problems.  On the other hand, the community should take sexual health as a normal and important part of daily life.  Professor Chiu suggests the government to place more resources in training and treatment, and counselling services.