L Harper, E Mahar, C Powers

(056) The Decreased Sexual Desire Screener: What are we missing?

  • Urology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
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Abstract Introduction The Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS) is a five-item self-report questionnaire used to assist clinicians in diagnosis of generalized acquired Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). While the first four items of this questionnaire assess whether the woman has decreased sexual desire that is causing her distress, the fifth item assists in identifying possible medical and psychological factors that could confound the diagnosis of HSDD (e.g., menopausal symptoms, pain, alcohol). The present study used baseline data from users of a mobile app (Rosy). The app was designed with the goal of improving women’s sexual function, particularly sexual desire, by providing evidence-based resources to users. Objectives To investigate what factors—beyond those listed in question five of the DSDS—may contribute to women’s low sexual desire, and to examine what percentage of women using the mobile app may qualify for HSDD. Methods Women downloaded Rosy through Apple’s App Store for iOS devices or Google Play for Android devices. App users completed the DSDS when they first opened the app. From February 2019 (the launch of the app) to early-November 2019, if women felt that a factor not listed in question five of the DSDS contributed to their current desire in sexual desire or interest, they were able to respond with “other” and then type in that factor. Because the format of this study did not allow for discussion of question five responses with the women, we did not consider this question when examining whether the woman may qualify for a diagnosis of HSDD; previous research found that eliminating question five increases the sensitivity from 83.6% to 88.4% and decreases the specificity from 87.8% to 77.5% (Clayton et al., 2009). Results Of the 2,178 women who had the option to type in factors they felt contributed to their low sexual desire that were not already listed in question five, 122 (5.6%) wrote a response. Considering these 122 women, 25.4% attributed their low sexual desire to body-image or self-image issues (e.g., weight gain, not feeling attractive), 8.2% to trauma (e.g., sexual trauma), 7.4% to children, and 5.7% to feeling like there is not enough time in the day. Furthermore, we found that 53.5% of the 8,497 app users who reported that they were referred to the app by a professional (i.e., clinician, physician, therapist) may qualify for HSDD versus 39.1% of the 8,750 users who reported finding the app through social media or word of mouth. Conclusions Using mobile app data, we explore what factors not listed in question five of the DSDS women believe are linked to their low sexual desire. We also found that the majority of users who reported professional referrals to the app may qualify for HSDD. This study highlights how data from mobile apps, such as Rosy, can be used to better understand HSDD and factors that may contribute to women’s low sexual desire. Disclosure Yes - Rosy Wellness, Inc. Industry initiated, executed and funded study – Yes.

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