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Risk factors as predictors of sexual activity in heart failure

Elaine E Steinke1, Victoria Mosack, David W Wright

  • 1School of Nursing, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas 67260-0041, USA. elaine.steinke@wichita.edu

Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing : DCCN
|April 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Sexual activity in heart failure (HF) patients is impacted by lifestyle factors. Tobacco use, alcohol, diabetes, and medication count significantly decrease the likelihood of sexual activity in HF patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Sexual Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Heart failure (HF) patients frequently experience concerns regarding sexual activity.
  • Limited understanding exists regarding factors influencing sexual activity and dysfunction in HF populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify demographic variables and risk factors predicting sexual activity in patients with heart failure.
  • To inform healthcare providers about key factors affecting sexual health in HF patients.

Main Methods:

  • A sample of 97 heart failure patients was analyzed.
  • Statistical analysis examined the association between risk factors (tobacco use, alcohol use, diabetes, medication count, exercise, hypertension) and demographic variables (age, sex, education, BMI) with sexual activity.

Main Results:

  • Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and a higher number of medications were significant predictors of decreased odds of sexual activity.
  • Non-exercise and hypertension were not significant predictors.
  • No significant differences in sexual activity were found based on cardiac medication classes.

Conclusions:

  • Specific lifestyle and health factors, including tobacco use, alcohol use, diabetes, and medication burden, are associated with reduced sexual activity in heart failure patients.
  • Healthcare professionals should consider these factors when counseling HF patients on sexual health.

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