Sexual functioning in men with pulmonary hypertension: a qualitative exploratory study
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Not yet recruiting
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 20
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- The current study will aid in understanding the knowledge, belief, attitudes and experience of sexual functioning after the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension
Study Overview
Brief Summary
Brief Summary
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a cardiovascular condition that increases pressure in blood vessels between the heart and lungs, reducing oxygen levels and leading to avoidance of physical and sexual activities due to symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. Treatments involving pumps and catheters also create physical challenges to intimacy. Around 72% of patients report a decline in sexual activity, which affects quality of life. While research has explored sexual functioning of females suffering from Pulmonary Hypertension patients. It has been found that they have significant difficulties in sexual life including sexual dysfunction, fear of eliciting symptoms, doubt and shame related to sexual intercourse due to lack of knowledge, and facing negative body image concerns which interfere with healthy sexual functioning. Feelings of guilt associated with the impact of their disease on their relationship and reduced intimacy were also expressed. (Banerjee et al., 2018; Cipolletta et al., 2022)
However, there is a lack of focus on men, especially in the Indian context where cultural views on sexuality play a significant role. This study aims to explore the sexual functioning of married men with Pulmonary Hypertension to develop interventions that improve sexual health and quality of life.
The study will run from November 2024 to May 2025. Married men aged 25-50, diagnosed with PH for at least a year post-marriage, will be interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis to inform healthcare professional training and future interventions.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Observational
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 25.00 Year(s) to 50.00 Year(s) (—)
- Sex
- Male
Inclusion Criteria
- •Men diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension since at least one year post marriage.
- •Individuals who can speak English and Hindi.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Patients diagnosed with any psychiatric conditions or have undergone any psychiatric treatment in the past one year.
- •Patients who have suffered from leg or spine fracture in the past 6 months.
- •Patients who have had recent cardiac events in the past 6 months.
- •Recent hospitalization in the past 1 month.
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
The current study will aid in understanding the knowledge, belief, attitudes and experience of sexual functioning after the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension
Time Frame: 4 weeks
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Dhruvi N Shah
Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education