Abstract
The global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 significantly impacted various aspects of human life, including sexual health and behavior. To date, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, have reported declines in sexual function and variations in sexual behavior during the pandemic, with women generally experiencing a more pronounced negative impact than men. Despite the fact different studies have shown their variations amid the pandemic, a study has yet to establish more detailed on how variations in sexual behavior frequencies correlate with sexual function dimensions. At the same time, there is no account of how the pandemic affected these measures in the Chilean population. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study evaluated how variations in partnered and solo sexual behavior frequencies during the pandemic and their relation with sexual function among 2,555 adult Chilean men, women, and gender non-binary individuals. Results showed decreases in partnered sexual behaviors, like intercourse and dating, were linked to lower sexual function scores, particularly in satisfaction and desire. For women, reduced frequency of most sexual behaviors (i.e., sexting, foreplay, sexual fantasies, masturbation, and sexual intercourse) significantly increased the risk of sexual dysfunction, especially in desire, arousal, and satisfaction. For men, decreased foreplay and intercourse were associated with a higher likelihood of erectile dysfunction and reduced overall sexual satisfaction. In contrast, only men whose frequency of foreplay, sexual fantasies, pornography consumption, and sexual intercourse increased experienced a significantly better sexual function. The magnitude of these changes varied from small to moderate across findings. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on the sexual health consequences of the pandemic, particularly within the Chilean context, and underscoring its value and the preparation of future pandemics.