An evaluation of the prevalence and predictive factors of sexual dysfunction in women with heart failure: A cross-sectional survey

Aims and Objectives This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictive factors of sexual dysfunction and quality of sexual life in women with heart failure. Background Symptoms of heart failure may cause a decrease in sexual performance, sexual satisfaction and sexual desire. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2019 and June 22, 2020. The findings were reported according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines (n = 356). Results The majority of the participants had sexual dysfunction (84.8%), mainly a reduction in sexual desire. Participants had a mean SQOL-F score of 75.49 +/- 19.37. More than a quarter of the participants stated that they were afraid of dying during sex (29.2%). There were changes in sexual dysfunction based on the class of medications that participants used regularly. Almost all participants stated that they were never informed by nurses or other healthcare professionals about sex (98%). Menopausal women are seven times more likely to develop sexual dysfunction than non-menopausal women (OR = 7.0, p < .001). Conclusion Women with heart failure are more likely to develop sexual dysfunction. Many factors affect sexual dysfunction and sexual quality of life. Therefore, nurses should take sexual dysfunction into account when caring for women with heart failure. They should monitor them for risk factors and side effects, draw up and implement plans to respond to problems. Relevance to Clinical Practice Sexual dysfunction is quite high in women with heart failure. Nurses should encourage these patients to talk about sexual problems and provide sexual health education and counselling regardless of the level of their sexual problems. Patient or Public Contribution The patients evaluated the suitability of the questions at the pre-application stage. We finalised the demographic questionnaires with their suggestions. The patients spent time filling out the questionnaires during the data collection phase and answered the questions sincerely.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictive factors of sexual dysfunction and quality of sexual life in women with heart failure. The majority of participants had sexual dysfunction, mainly a reduction in sexual desire. Menopausal women are seven times more likely to develop sexual dysfunction than non-menopausal women.