Factors shaping the provision of sexual health education for adults with acute coronary syndrome: A scoping review.

Abstract

Each year, 63,000 Canadians are diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and 73 % survive. Sexual health education for ACS survivors is recommended but is not routinely provided. A scoping review was performed to inform health care providers about factors shaping sexual health education for ACS survivors. Three databases were searched, 208 studies were screened, and 24 were included in this scoping review. Significant points from the selected studies were charted and synthesized. This review confirmed absent to limited provision of sexual health education to individuals with ACS. Key factors influencing lack of provision of sexual health were categorized according to macro, meso, and micro levels. At the macro level, societal and cultural factors were noted. The meso level included healthcare environment and limited healthcare provider knowledge. At the micro level, healthcare professional-healthcare consumer relationships and role clarity were noted. A sex positive approach may facilitate provision of sexual health education. This scoping review points to the need to use a sex positive lens to identify and remove barriers to facilitate the provision of sexual health education. Providing this education may result in reduced fear, depression, and anxiety in ACS survivors.