Abstract Body (Do not enter title and authors here): Background: Sexual health is an important aspect of quality of life, regardless of cardiac disease. However, there is a significant gap between patients' information needs and the ability of the healthcare system to meet these. Most studies focus on clinical populations in specialized clinics, but data on sexual health and information needs among community based cardiac patients is scarce.
Method: We conducted an online national survey in Sweden in 2024. The survey was developed based on literature and previous international surveys on sexual health in cardiac patients. Recruitment took place via patient organizations, clinical outpatient departments and via social media. All data was collected anonymously.
Results: In total 135 persons (59% male, mean age 65, range 30-89) answered the survey, 47% had hypertension, 36% had a myocardial infarction, 30% atrial fibrillation, 24% heart failure.
In total 76% stated that their sexual health was impacted by their disease and affects their mood and well-being (n=102). Men more often than women thought their disease impacted their sexual health (65% vs. 35%, p=0.02) and more often that sexual health affected their mood and well-being (64% vs. 36%, p<0.01).
Only 5% received sexual health information, but 78% wanted it. Men more often expressed a desire for information compared to women (87% vs. 64%, p=0.02).
The most desired topics include medication side effects (60%, n=81), erectile dysfunction (50%. n=68), impact on relationships (47%, n=63) and anxiety before sex (35%, n=47). Men wanted information on erectile dysfunction (80% vs. 7%), and women wanted more often information on pain during sex (13% vs. 1%, p<0.01).
Patients prefer to receive information during annual check-ups (57%, n=77), and/or during diagnosis (51%, n=69), and/or during medication follow-ups (40%), n=54. Patients most favor conversations with healthcare professionals (79%) and/or getting information at various times from different sources (43%).
Conclusion: This study highlights a significant gap between patients’ needs for sexual health information and the actual support provided by the healthcare system. Despite 76% of patients reporting that sexual health affects their mood and well-being, only 5% received relevant information or counseling. The study underscores the importance of structual policy changes addressing sexual health concerns in cardiac patients.