Sexual Distress in Urban China: A Population-Based National Survey of Men and Women

William L. Parish, University of Chicago
Elena Obkuhova, University of Chicago
Suiming Pan, Renmin University of China
Fang Li, University of Chicago

Using data from a national probability sample of 2,478 sexually active adults aged 20-64, this article examines the prevalence of, and risk factors for, sexual distress in urban China. Fully 35% of women and 21% of men had at least one persistent sexual issue. Chinese prevalence is comparable to the median of reports for other societies. With sharp differences for men and women, the risk factors for distress in China were multiple, with aging and physical issues only a portion of the mental health, stress, relationship, and values and knowledge issues correlated with reports of increased sexual distress.