Abstract

Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common problems in patients undergoing hemodialysis, which causes mental and psychological problems. Identification of the related factors is necessary to prevent the psychological complications of sexual dysfunction. This study investigated the relationship among sexual dysfunction, loneliness, social isolation, and self-esteem. In this cross-sectional correlational study, 132 patients undergoing hemodialysis with inclusion criteria were selected through census sampling from hemodialysis centers in Kerman, Iran. Demographic questionnaire, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, young schema questionnaire-short form, revised UCLA loneliness scale, the female sexual function index, and the international index of erectile function were used to collect data, which were analyzed with SPSS18 using descriptive and analytical tests. The mean total score of sexual function was 12.29 ± 7.78 in women and 29.46 ± 21.29 and in men, which was indicative of poor sexual function of patients. The level of self-esteem of the majority of subjects (47.7) was in the mean range of 16.58 ± 7.03. The mean total score of social isolation of patients was 17.06 ± 7.62 at an average level, and the mean total score of the loneliness of the patients was 38.15 ± 13.70 at a low level. There was no statistically significant correlation among sexual dysfunction, loneliness, social isolation, and self-esteem (P > 0.05). The results of the study suggested the necessity of planning and implementing plans for the improvement of the sexual function of patients. On the other hand, interventions to improve social isolation, level of loneliness, and self-esteem in patients undergoing hemodialysis should be planned and implemented. © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.