The CHARMS Study : Cardiac patients' experiences of sexual problems following cardiac rehabilitation
Journal article
Byrne, Molly, Doherty, Sally, Murphy, Andrew, McGee, Hannah and Jaarsma, Trijntje. (2013). The CHARMS Study : Cardiac patients' experiences of sexual problems following cardiac rehabilitation. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. 12(6), pp. 558 - 566. https://doi.org/10.1177/1474515113477273
Authors | Byrne, Molly, Doherty, Sally, Murphy, Andrew, McGee, Hannah and Jaarsma, Trijntje |
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Abstract | Background: Sexual problems are common among cardiac patients. Further information is required on patients’ experiences of sexuality and preferences for sexual counselling. Aim: To characterise sexual dysfunction and related factors among patients following cardiac rehabilitation and examine related treatment delivery. Methods: Telephone interviews with 382 patients (32% response rate) recruited from six hospital rehabilitation centres. Results: Seventy-nine per cent were male; average age was 64 years (SD 9.8). Forty-seven per cent of the total sample reported no sexual relations in the previous year, and nearly a half of sexually active respondents reported at least one sexual problem. Erectile dysfunction (reported by 33%) and lack of interest in sex (reported by 10%) were the most common problems for men and women respectively. Twenty-three per cent reported that sex had deteriorated for them since their cardiac event, and for half of these this was considered a serious problem. In logistic regression analysis, higher anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and being male were associated with reporting a sexual problem (χ2 = 37.85, p < 0.001). Sixty-six per cent reported that sex was never discussed by a health professional and satisfaction with this aspect of care was low. Patients wanted these issues to be addressed and the majority (63%) claimed they would find it easy to discuss sexual problems with a health professional. Conclusions: Sexual inactivity and sexual problems are common in this group. Health professionals should address sexual issues with their patients, ideally in a private setting and within the broader context of addressing psychological wellbeing. |
Year | 2013 |
Journal | European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing |
Journal citation | 12 (6), pp. 558 - 566 |
ISSN | 1474-5151 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1177/1474515113477273 |
Page range | 558 - 566 |
Research Group | Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research |
Publisher's version | File Access Level Controlled |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/88zzz/the-charms-study-cardiac-patients-experiences-of-sexual-problems-following-cardiac-rehabilitation
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