Sexual self-concept, anxiety, and self-efficacy predict sexual activity in heart failure and healthy elders

Abstract

Little is known about sexual activity in patients with heart failure (HF), and existing evidence suggests that sexual activity is adversely affected. This study explored the relationships and predictors between sexual activity and psychosexual, demographic variables in healthy elders and patients with HF. Participants were 59 healthy elders and 85 patients with HF who completed instruments on depression and anxiety, sexual self-concept, sexual activity, and demographic/clinical variables. Those with increased sexual self-concept had 1.78 greater odds of being sexually active. The sexual self-concept subscales of sexual anxiety and sexual self-efficacy showed a statistically significant (P < .01) independent effect on sexual activity. A higher sexual self-concept from greater sexual self-efficacy and lower sexual anxiety, younger age, and being married were significant predictors of sexual activity. Sexual self-concept and the related subscales of sexual anxiety and sexual self-efficacy are important psychosexual variables for future research. Attention to patient psychosexual concerns is needed in both clinical practice and research.