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Impaired sexual activity in young ischaemic stroke patients: an observational study
Author(s) -
Bugnicourt J.M.,
Hamy O.,
Canaple S.,
Lamy C.,
Legrand C.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
european journal of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1468-1331
pISSN - 1351-5101
DOI - 10.1111/ene.12277
Subject(s) - medicine , odds ratio , confidence interval , depression (economics) , sexual function , stroke (engine) , anxiety , hospital anxiety and depression scale , cohort , psychiatry , mechanical engineering , engineering , economics , macroeconomics
Background and purpose The present study sought to determine the impact of stroke on sexual function and well‐being in a cohort of young ischaemic stroke patients and identify factors associated with impairment. Methods Over a 2‐year period, all patients aged 60 or under with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack ( n = 156) were included. Information on sexual function and well‐being was obtained by means of a paper questionnaire mailed to participants 1 year after their stroke. Impaired sexual activity ( ISA ) was defined as a decline in sexual function and/or satisfaction. Psychological well‐being was evaluated on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ( HADS ). Results The response rate was 67% ( n = 104). Thirty of these responders (29%) reported ISA . Patients with ISA had a higher HADS score (19.7 vs. 11.2 in patients with no impairment; P < 0.001), anxiety score (10.0 vs. 6.3; P < 0.001) and depression score (8.7 vs. 4.8; P < 0.001) and were more likely to have left brain lesions (70% vs. 30%; P < 0.001) and use angiotensin‐converting enzyme ( ACE ) inhibitors (73% vs. 31%; P < 0.001) and diuretics (50% vs. 19%; P = 0.003). In a stepwise logistic regression, depression (odds ratio 9.1, 95% confidence interval 2.45−33.46; P = 0.001) and ACE inhibitor use (odds ratio 6.0, 95% confidence interval 2.11−17.28; P = 0.001) were associated with ISA . Conclusions Impaired sexual activity was reported by almost one‐third of younger patients 1 year after ischaemic stroke. Factors associated with post‐stroke ISA may include specific medications and depression rather than the characteristics of the stroke per se .