Physical Activity and Sexual Function After Myocardial Infarction: A Cross-Sectional Survey from Türkiye
Sexuality and Disability, cilt.44, sa.3, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 44 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s11195-026-09959-5
- Dergi Adı: Sexuality and Disability
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, Psycinfo, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Social Science Premium Collection (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest), Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection (EBSCO), Sociology Database (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Myocardial infarction, Sexual dysfunction, Physical activity, Patient counseling, Turkey
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Post-myocardial infarction (MI) recovery encompasses both physical activity and sexual health, yet these domains are often overlooked during routine follow-up, particularly in culturally conservative societies. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of physical activity and sexual function in patients after MI in Türkiye, assess the quality of lifestyle counseling at discharge, and identify factors influencing the successful resumption of these activities. In this cross-sectional survey, 204 patients with a history of MI attending follow-up at three tertiary hospitals in Istanbul between November 2024 and May 2025 were enrolled. Participants completed validated questionnaires on physical activity, sexual function, medication adherence, psychological concerns, and counseling experiences. Clinical data, including left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac treatment modalities, were also recorded. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and correlation testing. The median age was 57 years; 85.3% of participants were male. Only 46.1% reported receiving comprehensive counseling at discharge. The median time to resume sexual activity was 34 days, with 43.1% reporting infrequent sexual encounters (≤ 3 times/month). Erectile dysfunction affected 29.3% of men. Physical activity levels declined post-MI in 46.6% of patients, despite a median walking time of 55 min per day. Physician-initiated discussions on sexual health were reported by only 7.4%. Counseling quality correlated positively with earlier resumption of physical activity (4 vs. 3; r = 0.29; p = 0.01). There is a substantial gap between clinical guidelines and real-world practice in addressing physical activity and sexual function after MI in Türkiye. Culturally sensitive rehabilitation programs and structured counseling are urgently needed.