Page 128 - Ebook-Book JCMS 2025

Predicting Sexual Activity in Individuals with Heart Failure:
The Role of Metabolic Equivalents, Age, Mental Health Status
and Partner Communication
Piriyakorn Rawangban, Tiraporn Junda*, Bualuang Sumdaengrit
Department of Adult and Gerontological Nursing, Ramathibodi School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine,
Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
*Corresponding Author E-mail: tiraporn.jun@mahidol.ac.th
Background: Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent cardiovascular disease affecting an estimated 64 million
individuals globally. Ventricular structural and functional abnormalities in HF impair cardiac
output, leading to systemic physiological and symptomatic consequences. These include
dyspnea, fatigue, and diminished exercise tolerance, contributing to a substantial reduction
in sexual activity. The impact of HF on sexual activity encompasses decreased libido,
diminished sexual satisfaction, and reduced coital frequency. Furthermore, patients often
experience anxiety and fear related to symptom exacerbation during sexual activity,
contributing to avoidance behaviors and effects on partner relationships.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 144 patients diagnosed with congestive HF.
Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling method from cardiology clinics and
outpatient medicine departments at two tertiary hospitals in Bangkok. Data collection was
conducted via self-administered questionnaires encompassing 1) demographic characteristics
for age, 2) Metabolic equivalents (METs), as assessed by the Duke Activity Status Index, 3)
Mental Health Status, evaluated using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21, and 4) Partner
communication, measured by the Dyadic Sexual Communication Scale. Statistical analyses
included descriptive statistics to characterize the participants and binary logistic regression to
determine the predictive value of the independent variables on sexual activity
Results: Most participants were males with a mean age of 61.47 ± 8.87 years; common comorbidities
included hypertension. Participants were predominantly classified as having HF with
reduced ejection fraction, duration of HF 2-5 years, and NYHA classification I. Medication
most frequently included beta-blockers. Participants most reported continued sexual
activity, with reduced frequency/duration, and never receiving sexual health information
from medical personnel. METs (OR .362; 95% C.I. 0.172-0.766), Depression (OR .002; 95%
C.I. 0.000-0.159), and Partner communication (OR 1.156; 95% C.I. 1.014- 1.319) influence
the prediction of decreased sexual activity in HF patients. Age and Mental health status,
including anxiety and stress, had no statistically significant influence on the prediction of
the chance of having reduced sexual activity in HF patients.
126 Joint Conference in Medical Sciences 2025