Investigating the Effect of Phlebotomy on Sexual Satisfaction of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Admitted to Bandar Abbas Gas Condensate Refinery Clinic in 2016

Background: Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes is a global health challenge and the leading cause of impotence in diabetic patients. Sexual health is an important issue that is often neglected in diabetic patients care. On the other hand, phlebotomy, as a traditional medicine procedure in Iran, has attracted the attention of many scientific circles. This study aimed to investigate the effect of phlebotomy on sexual satisfaction of patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to Bandar Abbas gas condensate refinery clinic in 2016.

Methodology: In this quasi-experimental study, based on the statistical estimations, 30 samples were divided into control or intervention groups. Multi-stage sampling method was used. Using convenience sampling method, volunteers were selected through utilizing notification system. Data were collected using demographic questionnaire, diabetes questionnaire and Larsson sexual satisfaction questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire and its reliability were measured using content validity and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, respectively.

Results: Based on the independent t-test, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age. The mean work experience of patients was 23.13 years in the intervention group and 12.1 years in the control group. Based on the independent t-test, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of work experience. The mean blood sugar levels were 86.211 mg/dl in the intervention group and 92.4 mg/dl in the control group. Based on the non-parametric Wilcoxon test, there was no statistically significant difference in blood sugar levels of patients, before and after performing phlebotomy.

Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be said that after conducting training sessions and performing phlebotomy, participants could establish frequent sexual contacts with their spouses and this resulted in their sexual satisfaction.