Psychometric evaluation of ‘The 25-item Sex after MI Knowledge Test’ in a Swedish context

Sexual Knowledge in Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Adequate sexual knowledge is a key component of cardiac rehabilitation. Sexual knowledge in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients is unknown. Thus, we conducted this study to investigate the sexual knowledge of post-myocardial infarction patients and their accessibility to sexual counseling.

Methodology

Between July and September 2018, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in 6six major hospitals in Karachi. The non-probability convenient sampling technique was used to include all patients meeting the inclusion criteria. To reduce biases, face-to-face interviews were conducted by investigators who were trained prior to the start of data collection. Knowledge was assessed using the Swedish version of the "Sex after MI Knowledge Test" questionnaire, where a higher score meant higher knowledge. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) The t-test was applied to compare the knowledge score between males and females.

Results

There was a total of 278 MI patients with a mean age of 54 years, of which 60% were men. The "Sex After MI Knowledge Test" scores varied between 37 and 67 (mean score 51 ± 5). None of the participants obtained the maximum possible test score of 75. The most frequently occurring score was 49 (16%). Around half of the participants (48%) incorrectly believed that sex cannot be safely resumed within a few weeks after the heart attack. Limited knowledge was found in questions pertaining to alcohol, viagra, and late evening being the best time to have sex. Medical knowledge was provided to only 27% (n=76) of the participants, of whom 77% (n=58) received it from the hospital staff itself. A significant difference existed in scores obtained by males and females, with males having a higher score and the mean difference in scores being 1.7 (p=0.015).

Conclusion

Lack of sexual knowledge in MI patients due to the inadequacy of healthcare providers and the social stigma surrounding the topic causes marital strain leading to low quality of life.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Sex After Myocardial Infarction Knowledge Test in Iranian Context

PURPOSE

To translate, adapt, and assess the psychometric properties of the Sex After MI Knowledge Test in Iranian context (where MI is myocardial infarction).

DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive survey was performed. The sample comprised 250 patients with MI. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to extract three indicators.

FINDINGS

The Sex After MI Knowledge Test indicated good reproducibility (Cronbach's α = .76, Intraclass correlation (ICC) = 0.729, CI = 0.7280-0.781, p < .001 ICC: Intraclass correlation). Nonnormed and normed fit indices (FI) were 0.89, and incremental and comparative FIs were 0.90. Goodness-of-fit index (GFI) and adjusted GFI were below the criteria. After a varimax rotation, the first six items of the instrument explained 58.71% of total variance.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The instrument showed acceptable psychometric properties in terms of construct validity and internal consistency. The instrument might be used to stimulate conversations patients with MI regarding sexual knowledge and concerns.

Level of knowledge among cardiac nurses regarding sexual counseling of post-MI patients in three tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to measure the level of knowledge among cardiac nurses about sexual counseling of post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients.

METHOD

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 153 nurses at three tertiary care hospitals of a large metropolitan city of Pakistan.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that the majority nurses have moderate knowledge regarding post-MI sexual counseling. Additionally, nurses have lack of knowledge regarding effects of cardiac drugs on sexual life of post-MI patients.

CONCLUSION

There is a need to improve nurses' knowledge in regard to sexual counseling among post-MI patients. Nurses should have knowledge to deal with such a sensitive issue as sexuality, in order to improve patients' quality of life. With respect to Pakistan, this was a baseline study and may provide insights for designing interventional or qualitative studies in the future.

Sex knowledge in males and females recovering from a myocardial infarction: a brief communication

The purpose of this article was to explore sexual knowledge in persons who had suffered from myocardial infarction (MI). Seventy-six Swedish persons completed the "Sex after MI Knowledge Test" questionnaire. Overall, 53% of the men and 45% of the women scored maximum in the test. In a comparison between sexes, the men scored significantly more often a correct answer compared to the women for two out of the 25 items. The levels of correct answers were less then 50% for 14 out of the 25 items in both sexes. In conclusion we found that people who had suffered MI had poor levels of knowledge about sex and that there were some differences concerning lesser knowledge among the females in comparison to males. In regard to application, using a validated instrument facilitates an interactive communication between the patient and health care professionals, and opens up for a tailored education in line with the patient's and his or her partner's needs.