Relationship between self-efficacy and sexual function after open heart surgery

Abstract

Aims The high level of self-efficacy that facilitates the adaptation of patients to their new lives and accelerates the healing process after open heart surgery has a positive effect on sexual function. The aims of the study are to examine the self-efficacy and sexual function of patients undergoing open heart surgery and factors affecting it. Methods and results This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 76 patients (44 females, 32 males). The data were collected with an information form, Barnason Efficacy Expectation Scales (BEES): Cardiac Surgical Version, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The mean age of the patients was 63.12 ± 7.91. It was found that 30.3% of the patients (73.9% female and 26.1% male) were sexually inactive, and they did not receive information about sexual function. The mean BEES: Cardiac Surgical Version score was 43.96 ± 6.07. The mean IIEF score was 19.07 ± 26.0, and the mean FSFI score was 15.67 ± 9.12. There was a positive correlation between BEES: Cardiac Surgical Version and IIEF (r = 0.34; P = 0.00), and there was a negative correlation between BEES: Cardiac Surgical Version and FSFI (r = −0.27; P = 0.01). Conclusion It was determined that patients did not have sufficient information about sexual life after open heart surgery. The patients had sexual problems after surgery. It was found that sexual function increased with increasing self-efficacy in men, while sexual function decreased with increasing self-efficacy in women.

Global prevalence of sexual dysfunction in cardiovascular patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…It is evident that the prevalence of this disorder differs between men and women. For example, the results of a study showed that 37% of men and 80% of women with myocardial infarction had sexual problems [ 34 ]. Several other studies have shown the high risk of sexual dysfunction in both men and women with CVDs.…”

Impact of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery on sexual dysfunction in male patients

“…In the past, surgeons and patients focused more on the efficacy of the procedure, and sexual dysfunction after cardiac surgery was often neglected. In recent years, as the clinical outcomes of surgery have improved, many patients have become concerned not only about the treatment itself, but also about its adverse effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and even on sexual life [ 4 – 6 ].…”

“…It is well known that the huge trauma of median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass as well as the long postoperative recovery period often cause great harm to the mental and physical health of patients, which in turn seriously affects the recovery of postoperative sexual function and even leads to postoperative sexual dysfunction [ 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 ]. In recent years, with the development of surgical techniques, instruments and perfusion strategies, minimally invasive cardiac surgery has gradually gained widespread popularity.…”