Married and cohabitating middle-aged and older adults in Nouna, Burkina Faso reported high rates of sexual activity, with significant variability in sexual health and well-being across sex, age, and education levels.
Almost all married or cohabitating middle-aged and older adults in Nouna reported having a sexual partner in the past year.
Men reported significantly more frequent sexual thoughts and sexual activity than women.
Older age was associated with reduced sexual thoughts and intercourse frequency in both sexes.
Higher education was associated with more frequent sexual thoughts and intercourse.
The study used the Sexual Relationships and Activities Questionnaire to measure multiple dimensions of sexual health and well-being in a Sub-Saharan African population.
This research examined the sexual health and well-being of over 2,300 married or live-in partnered adults aged 40 and older in Nouna, Burkina Faso, a setting where this type of data is rarely collected. The study found that sexual activity remained common well into middle and older age, with nearly all participants reporting having a sexual partner in the past year. However, there were notable differences by sex, age, and education level: men reported more frequent sexual thoughts and activity than women, older adults reported less sexual activity and more sexual difficulties, and those with higher education reported more frequent sexual activity and thoughts. The study also found that as people aged, men were more likely to experience erectile difficulties and women were more likely to experience arousal difficulties. Women consistently reported lower levels of sexual activity and intercourse frequency compared to men, even after accounting for other factors. These gender differences may reflect social and cultural dynamics that affect how sexual health is experienced and reported in this community. This research suggests that sexual health remains an important aspect of life for middle-aged and older adults in Burkina Faso, and that interventions and further research are needed to address the specific challenges faced by women, older individuals, and those with less education. The findings highlight the importance of including older adults and diverse geographic settings in sexual health research, as most existing studies focus on younger populations or higher-income countries.
Omojola O, Osborne C, Bountogo M, Inghels M, Harling G, Sie A, et al.. (2025). A Cross-Sectional Study of Sexual Health and Well-Being in Married or Cohabitating Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Nouna, Burkina Faso.. Archives of sexual behavior. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-025-03223-1