Seksuele klachten en ervaringen met seksueel en fysiek geweld bij gynaecologische patiënten

To determine the frequency of sexual difficulties and of sexual and physical abuse.

Design

Descriptive survey study.

Setting

Outpatient gynaecology clinic of the University Hospital of Leiden, the Netherlands.

Patients and method

During 3 months, December 1994-February 1995, all consecutive new female patients were questioned by the gynaecologist by means of a short standardised questionnaire. Oncology patients and non-Dutch-speaking patients were excluded. Data were analysed with descriptive statistical procedures; relationships among variables were tested with the χ² test with Yates‘ correction or Fisher's exact test.

Results

Of 325 patients 34.2 reported sexual difficulties, 15.4 reported sexual abuse and 7.4 physical molestation. Age of the patient and presence or absence of the partner during the consultation were not associated with differences in the patients‘ reports. 18.8 of the patients with these complaints answered affirmatively when asked if they needed specialised help.

Conclusion

Sexual difficulties and sexual and physical abuse were common among gynaecology patients. Less than one-fifth of them required specialised help.