How does sexual quality of life correlate with self-esteem and relationship functioning among men with opioid dependence? A cross-sectional study from Southern Rajasthan.

Dr. Shveta; Kumar; Agarwal; Agarwal

doi:10.51168/pbk9g586

Autori

Dr. Shveta PG Resident doctor, Dept. of Psychiatry, Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Rajsamand.
Kumar Professor, Department of Psychiatry Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Rajsamand, Rajasthan, India
Agarwal Professor and Head, Dept. of Psychiatry, Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Rajsamand.
Agarwal PG Resident doctor, Dept. of Psychiatry, Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Rajsamand.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/pbk9g586

Cuvinte cheie:

Opioid dependence, Sexual health, Quality of life, Satisfaction, Buprenorphine

Rezumat

Background

This study aimed to assess the association between sexual quality of life, self-esteem, and relationship functioning among men with opioid dependence and compare these outcomes between treatment-naïve men and those receiving buprenorphine–naloxone maintenance treatment.

Methods

This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Ananta Institute of Medical Science and Research Center, Rajsamand, Rajasthan, India, from January to November 2025. A total of 104 men with opioid dependence were recruited through purposive sampling, including 52 treatment-naïve participants and 52 receiving buprenorphine–naloxone maintenance treatment. Sexual quality of life was assessed using the Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire for Men (SQoL-M), while self-esteem and relationship functioning were assessed using the Self-Esteem and Relationship Questionnaire (SEAR). Appropriate statistical tests were used to compare groups and examine associations between study variables.

Results

The mean overall SQoL-M score was 37.34 ± 9.50, and the mean overall SEAR score was 44.87 ± 8.09. Treatment-naïve participants had significantly lower SQoL-M scores than buprenorphine-maintained participants (34.63 ± 10.10 vs. 40.04 ± 8.10; p = 0.0033). Similarly, mean SEAR scores were significantly lower among treatment-naïve participants (42.52 ± 8.06 vs. 47.21 ± 7.47; p = 0.0027). A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was observed between SEAR and SQoL-M scores (r = 0.56, p < 0.0001), indicating that higher self-esteem and better relationship functioning were associated with better sexual quality of life.

Conclusion

Sexual quality of life was positively associated with self-esteem and relationship functioning among men with opioid dependence. Participants receiving maintenance treatment had higher scores on both measures than treatment-naïve participants.

Recommendation

Routine assessment of sexual health, self-esteem, and relationship functioning should be incorporated into comprehensive opioid dependence care. Longitudinal studies are recommended to clarify these associations over time.

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