All patients (N=380) over the age of 18 years having dialysis in the Auckland Renal Service, who had not been hospitalized in the preceding month, were invited to participate in the study.
89 people (23%), 68 males and 21 females completed the questionnaire. The average age of the respondents was 58.6 years (range 24 to 86 years) with average time on dialysis of 4 year (range 6 weeks to 27 years and were similar to the local and national population in terms of the cause of renal failure and ethnicity.
The ASEX Scale a short self completed questionnaire, was used in this study to determine sexual function. A total of 69 (78%) participants were classified as having some degree of sexual dysfunction (SD) (71% men & 68% women). Although 78% of participants had some degree of SD it did not have the same impact on everyone. 60% of those with SD reported they were concerned about this and 42% reported that it had a negative impact on their intimate relationships. Interestingly sexual function did not appear to be related to anaemia, the length of time on dialysis or markers of inflammation.
In summary, for Auckland patients on dialysis, as in dialysis patients internationally, sexual dysfunction is common. This study suggests to use the two additional questions be used to screen patients (i.e. concern about sexual functioning and impact on relationships) and only after ascertaining that they have a problem, then full diagnostic screen such as ASEX be used.