In:
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 4, No. suppl_2 ( 2011-11)
Abstract:
Purpose: Post-MI recovery requires major life adjustments, which may include a person's sex life. MI educational materials contain information on medications and activities, but often neglect sexual activity. A qualitative study of sexuality with post-MI women sought to identify what information would be helpful. Methods: Women in the U.S. TRIUMPH MI registry who reported being sexually active before and 12 months after their MI were randomly selected. In-depth telephone interviews 18-24 months post-MI were conducted until thematic saturation occurred. Transcripts were coded and content analyzed by a multidisciplinary team of a nurse, psychologist, public health researcher, anthropologist, and gynecologist. Results: The 17 female subjects averaged 57.6 years of age (43-75 years). Twelve stated they had not received any information about sexual activity even though they felt sex was still an important aspect of their life. Three thematic categories emerged: initiating the discussion; criteria for readiness to resume sex; and education content. Several women mentioned that they were uncomfortable initiating the discussion of sex post-MI; a 48 y/o woman said, "I think definitely the doctor (cardiologist) has to initiate it because most women will not bring it up." The criteria for when to resume sex safely was not communicated clearly. Several women said that when they asked their physician and were told ‘when you feel like it,’ they remained fearful. One 49 y/o stated she got her information from a popular movie where "Jack Nicholson had a heart attack and the doctor told him that when he could walk up a flight of stairs, he could have sex. That’s kind of what I went by." The specific content for sexuality education was also missing. A 69 y/o described the lack of information: "I had cardiac rehab and there were lots of different classes I could go to. But there was nothing offered in the sexuality area. It was a missing link." Conclusions: Patients emphasized the importance of receiving guidance on timing and safety of resumption of sexual activity from their cardiologist, tailored to their specific cardiac condition and overall health. Initiating the discussion and providing information about sexual activity is an important opportunity for post-MI education.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1941-7713
,
1941-7705
DOI:
10.1161/circoutcomes.4.suppl_2.AP83
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
2011
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2453882-6
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2483197-9
