Sexual Behaviours and Sexual Health Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Britain: A Latent Class Analysis of The Natsal-3

Objectives Population-representative studies of the sexual health of middle-aged and older adults are lacking in aging societies. This study aimed to identify latent patterns of sexual behaviours and health of people aged 45-74. Methods We conducted a latent class analysis of the National Attitudes and Sexual Lifestyles Survey (Natsal-3), a nationally representative survey conducted in Britain in 2011. Results Of the 5260 respondents aged 45-74, 49% of men and 45% of women belonged to the Content Caseys class who reported good sexual health. The Infrequent Indigos (31% of men, 44% of women) were characterized by a lack of sexual activity, reported some dissatisfaction, and were more likely to have a disability. The Low-Functioning Lees (12% of men, 8% of women) reported some more disability and had issues with sexual functioning and higher levels of distress. The Multiple-Partnered Morgans (9% of men, 2% of women) were characterized by a greater number of sexual partners and several risk behaviours. Conclusions The use of these four classes can aid in improved targeting of tailored sexual health services to improve sexual function, sexual satisfaction, reduce distress and risky behaviours among middle-aged and older adults. These services should be inclusive of the disabled community. Bullet points About half of these respondents were classified as Content Caseys who reported few issues concerning their sex lives. Over a third who reported no recent sexual activity, the vast majority of whom are single, were classified as Infrequent Indigos . Nearly 10% were classified Low-Functioning Lees due to the greater probability of reporting sexual function issues and distress. The rest were classified as Multiple Partner Morgans as a result of a high likelihood of having multiple partners and unsafe sex.