Effect of Sex Education on Anxiety, Stress and Depression in Patients With Myocardial Infarction (MI) and Their Spouses

Background: The lack of awareness about sexual activity after a myocardial infarction (MI), as well as consequent occasional sexual withdrawal and sex problems, are the key factors that intensify the stress, anxiety, and depression in patients with MI and their spouses. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of “sex education” on stress, anxiety, and depression in patients and their spouses after MI. Patients andMethods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients hospitalized with ischemic heart disease along with their spouses. The intervention included five sessions of face to face training and offering an educational pamphlet. The Dass21 questionnaire was completed for both groups before and after the intervention. The collected data were analyzed using paired sample t-test, independent t-test, and Chi-square test. Results: After the intervention, the levels of stress and anxiety of the patients and their spouses were measured in both groups using independent t-test and a significant difference was observed (P = 0.001). The level of depression of the patients and their spouses was measured in both groups using independent ttest, yet no significant difference was found (P > 0.11). Conclusions: It is recommended to include sex education in training programs for heart patients in cardiac care units.