Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Patterns Relating to Sexual Dysfunction Among Urologists and Andrologists in China

IMPORTANCE Although sexual function is an indispensable part of overall human health, both male and female sexual dysfunction have been poorly addressed in China. OBJECTIVE To explore the self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns related to sexual dysfunction among urologists and andrologists in China. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This survey study enrolled urologists and andrologists from various regions in China. Urologists and andrologists from 100 selected medical centers were invited to participate in the survey. Responses from eligible urologists and andrologists were analyzed from July 20 to 30, 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcomes were the respondents' basic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns related to sexual dysfunction for both male and female patients. RESULTS Among 1687 urologists and andrologists (749 [98.7%] male; 375 participants [49.4%] aged 36-50 years) invited to participate, 759 were eligible, with 395 participants (52.0%) determined to have passing knowledge on diagnosis and treatment for male and female sexual dysfunction (defined as a score of 6 or more points) and 523 participants (68.9%) responding with positive attitudes, including interested in providing sex counseling and managing sexual issues for male and female patients. Moreover, of 395 individuals with passing knowledge, 289 participants (73.2%) were interested in providing sex counseling or sexual function care to patients; 336 participants (85.1%) thought they should routinely screen the spouse for sexual dysfunction when the partner was diagnosed with a sexual dysfunction. Among individuals with passing knowledge, 232 participants (58.7%) reported knowledge on the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of premature ejaculation and 162 participants (41.0%) reported knowledge on the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction, which were significantly higher than rates among 364 participants with limited knowledge (premature ejaculation: 140 participants [38.5%]; erectile dysfunction: 78 participants [21.4%]). Only a few urologists and andrologists could manage female sexual dysfunction following guidelines, although the proportions were higher in the group with passing knowledge (38 participants [9.6%]) compared with those with less knowledge (5 participants [1.4%]). Additionally, most participants felt confident to manage male sexual issues (569 participants [75.0%] reporting often or almost always), while most of them were not so confident on female sexual issues (274 participants [36.1%] reporting often or almost always), mainly due to lacking knowledge in this field (518 participants [68.2%]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this survey study suggest that urologists and andrologists in China lacked knowledge on sexual dysfunction, which in turn was associated with their attitudes and clinical practice patterns, especially for female sexual dysfunction. More training on sexual dysfunction should be undertaken to improve this situation.

Automated summary

Although sexual function is crucial for overall human health, sexual dysfunction, especially in female patients, has been inadequately addressed by urologists and andrologists in China. This survey study reveals a lack of knowledge and understanding of sexual dysfunction among Chinese urologists and andrologists, highlighting the need for more comprehensive training in this area.