Determinants of Sexual Dysfunction in Allergic Rhinitis According to the Unpleasant Symptoms Theory: A Comparative Study

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 3, 568 - 576, 30.09.2025

İlknur Özkan , Murat Kar , Secil Taylan

https://doi.org/10.33808/clinexphealthsci.1595863

Abstract

Objective: Sexual dysfunction, a key component of adults’ quality of life, is under-studied in allergic rhinitis. This study aimed to compare sexual dysfunction in individuals with and without allergic rhinitis and to examine the effects of physiological, psychological, and situational factors, as conceptualized by the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms.
Methods: This descriptive and between-groups comparative study was conducted between September 2020 and September 2021 in the otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic. Data were collected from 249 patients with allergic rhinitis and 235 healthy individuals using validated scales that assess depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep quality, nasal symptoms, and sexual function. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with sexual dysfunction.
Results: Compared to the healthy group, individuals with allergic rhinitis had more sexual dysfunction, sleep problems, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and nasal and non-nasal symptoms (p<.01). Based on the results of logistic regression analysis, factors contributing to sexual dysfunction in women with allergic rhinitis included anxiety, depression, the presence of asthma, and the severity of physiological symptoms (Nagelkerke R2: 0.345; Model: x2= 18.759 p= .000). Factors affecting sexual dysfunction in men with allergic rhinitis were determined as sleep quality, depression, the severity of physiological symptoms, fatigue, and smoking (Nagelkerke R2: 0.194; Model: x2= 17.761; p= .023).
Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction in allergic rhinitis patients is influenced by a range of symptoms, as outlined by the Unpleasant Symptoms Theory. These findings highlight the need for targeted intervention programs to manage sexual dysfunction by addressing both illness symptoms and related factors.

Keywords

allergic rhinitis , sexual dysfunction , unpleasant symptoms theory , symptoms

Project Number

-

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