Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background Viral hepatitis is a major global health problem that can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its psychosocial and sexual implications are often overlooked. Chronic infections such as hepatitis B and C may negatively affect patients’ sexual well-being through both biological mechanisms and emotional distress related to stigma and fear of transmission. Despite this, limited research has addressed how a hepatitis diagnosis influences sexual behavior and satisfaction, particularly from a primary care perspective. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and nature of sexual dysfunction among individuals diagnosed with hepatitis B and C and to explore the associated sociodemographic and clinical factors. Methods The study had an observational, analytical design. The population comprised patients followed-up with diagnosis of hepatitis B and C infections. A questionnaire that evaluates the sociodemographic characteristics with sexual repertoire of the patients, and Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction were applied to the patients collected in sealed envelopes. Results 132 patients participated; among whom, 82.6% (n = 109) and 17.4% (n = 23) were diagnosed with hepatitis B and C, respectively. After the diagnosis, 90.2% (n = 119) participants experienced anxiety about infecting their partners and 69.7% (n = 92) experienced an increase in the frequency of sexual problems of their partners. Frequency of vaginal sex, anal sex, kissing and touching usually decreased; however, the frequency of oral sex and erotic/porn streaming remained unchanged. Moreover, the frequency of masturbation and protection needs mostly increased. The decrease in the frequency of vaginal sex was found to be related to educational level (p < 0.001). The decrease in the frequency of anal sex was associated with gender (p = 0.003). An increase in the frequency of masturbation was found to be related to occupation (p = 0.005). There were no differences between the diagnoses in terms of change in frequency of sexual activity patterns and anxiety about infecting their partners. Conclusion Problems can occur at any type of sexuality, which can cause problems for couples in their sexual life with the diagnosis of hepatitis B and C.</p>