“Just think of it as sexercise” – healthcare providers’ perceptions about sexual health education in cardiac rehabilitation programs

Abstract

Purpose

Sexual health education (SHE) is an important rehabilitation component for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) survivors but is not routinely provided. This study’s purpose was to explore healthcare providers’ experiences of providing SHE to ACS survivors in cardiac rehabilitation programs to identify best practices.

Methods

This qualitative study used convenience sampling and an interpretive descriptive design. Inclusion criteria were a healthcare provider employed within a cardiac rehabilitation program in a Western Canadian province. Eight cardiac rehabilitation healthcare providers volunteered to participate. The first author conducted semi-structured, digitally recorded interviews that were transcribed verbatim. The interviews were guided by a semi-structured interview guide anchored in the strengths-based, sex positive guiding frameworks. A reflective journal and socio-demographic forms served as additional data sources. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding as well as constant comparative analysis. Credibility was ensured through peer-reviewed evaluation criteria.

Results

Eight healthcare providers participated in the study. Participants equated sexuality and sexual health with physical activity and physical health. Findings identified philosophical perspectives and several barriers and facilitators that impact SHE provision. Participants offered strategies that may be used in practice and their recommendations provide a beginning foundation to improve cardiac rehabilitation programs and the health of ACS survivors.

Conclusion

Healthcare providers in cardiac rehabilitation programs described their SHE experiences as “just think of it as sexercise.” Facilitation of SHE is important as previous studies found that SHE may reduce fear, depression, and anxiety and increase the return to sexual activity among ACS survivors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Sexual health doesn’t need to be a taboo topic.

• Approach sexual health conversations by thinking of it as “sexercise”.

• Don’t let silos stop sexual health education – talk to your coworkers and patients about sexual health.

• Knowledge about sexual health, timing of sexual health education, and communication between care providers and patients are important factors in delivery of sexual health education.

Keywords:

• Sexual health
• sexual well-being
• acute coronary syndrome
• cardiac rehabilitation
• quality of life

Acknowledgements

1. The authors thank the healthcare professionals who participated in this study and Patrick Faucher, Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Winnipeg, Canada, for the infographic design in Figure 1.

2. The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Canadian Nurses Foundation, Manitoba Centre for Nursing & Health Research, and Research Manitoba.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work is financially supported by the Manitoba Centre for Nursing and Health Research.