Sexual Knowledge in Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Sexual Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Adequate sexual knowledge is crucial for cardiac rehabilitation.
• Sexual knowledge among post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients remains largely unassessed.
• This study addresses the gap in understanding sexual knowledge and counseling accessibility in post-MI patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the sexual knowledge of patients after myocardial infarction (MI).
• To assess the accessibility of sexual counseling for post-MI patients.
• To identify factors influencing sexual knowledge in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six major hospitals in Karachi.
• The "Sex After MI Knowledge Test" questionnaire assessed sexual knowledge.
• Face-to-face interviews were performed with 278 post-MI patients.

Main Results:

• None of the participants achieved the maximum score on the knowledge test (mean score 51 ± 5).
• Nearly half incorrectly believed sex resumption is unsafe within weeks post-MI.
• Limited knowledge was observed regarding alcohol, Viagra, and optimal timing for sexual activity.
• Males demonstrated significantly higher sexual knowledge scores than females (p=0.015).

Conclusions:

• Post-MI patients demonstrate a significant lack of sexual knowledge.
• Inadequate sexual knowledge stems from insufficient healthcare provider education and social stigma.
• Addressing these deficits is vital to reduce marital strain and improve the quality of life for post-MI patients.