A Social‐Cognitive Sexual Counseling Intervention Post‐MI—Development and Pilot Testing. Issue 3 (12th July 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Steinke, Elaine E.; Mosack, Victoria; Hertzog, Jodie; Wright, David W.
• Is Part Of: Perspectives in psychiatric care. Volume 49:Issue 3(2013:Jul.)
• Page Start: 162
• Page End: 170
• Publication Date: 2012-07-12
• Subjects: Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Psychiatric nursing -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.890231
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-6163.2012.00345.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-5990

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p> <bold>PURPOSE: </bold> Individuals experiencing myocardial infarction (MI) report anxiety, depression, diminished quality of life (QOL), and reduced sexual activity.</p> <p> <bold>DESIGN AND METHODS: </bold> We examined return to sexual activity post‐MI, and pilot tested a comprehensive sexual counseling intervention based on social‐cognitive theory. The intervention in this pretest/posttest preexperimental study used an informational video, newsletters, and telephone counseling, with cardiac patients (<italic>N</italic>= 10) and partners (<italic>N</italic>= 3). Measures included QOL; knowledge; sexual anxiety, depression, self‐efficacy, and satisfaction.</p> <p> <bold>FINDINGS: </bold> At 8 weeks, only 60% had returned to sexual activity, with low QOL and sexual satisfaction for patients and partners.</p> <p> <bold>PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: </bold> Supportive interventions by nurses are needed to assist MI patients and partners return to sexual activity.</p> </abstract>