Seksualitet hos kvinder med atrieflimren -kardiologiens Askepot

Abstract

Resume Baggrund: Seksualitet og intimitet er centrale aspekter for livskvaliteten, men emnet er ofte underbelyst i kardiologien. Forskning viser, at kvinder, ældre og patienter med atrieflimren (AF) sjældent bliver adspurgt om seksualitet. Ny rapport fra Sundhedsstyrelsen peger desuden på, at kvinder med AF er underrepræsenterede i forskningen. AF har traditionelt stået i skyggen af mere akutte tilstande og omtales derfor også som ”kardiologiens Askepot”. I takt med, at befolkningen bliver ældre og lever længere med hjertesygdomme, øges også risikoen for seksuelle vanskeligheder. Dette fremhæver behovet for en holistisk tilgang, hvor også psykosociale aspekter som seksualitet bør integreres. Formål: Dette pilotstudie søgte at opnå en dybere forståelse af, hvordan ældre kvinder med AF oplever, at sygdom og behandling påvirker deres intimitet, seksualitet og parforhold, samt hvordan de mødes af sundhedsvæsenet i relation til disse temaer. Metode: Studiet anvendte en fænomenologisk-hermeneutisk tilgang baseret på kvalitative forskningsinterviews. Data blev indsamlet via semistrukturerede interviews hos tre ældre kvinder med AF. Alle deltagere tilhørte samme kulturelle segment, hvilket udgør en metodologisk begrænsning. Analysen fulgte en tematisk tilgang med afsæt i Clark og Browns teori. Resultater: Pilotstudiet viste, at de tre kvinder ikke oplevede, at AF eller behandlingen heraf påvirkede deres intimitet, seksualitet eller parforhold. Seksualiteten blev ikke afviklet men udviklede sig derimod gennem hele livet. Samstemmende oplevede kvinderne, at blive mødt i kardiologien uden at der blev inddraget psykosociale aspekter, herunder seksualitet i forbindelse med behandlingen af AF.

Abstract Background: Sexuality and intimacy are central aspects of quality of life, yet the topic remains underexplored within cardiology. Research shows that women, older adults, and patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are rarely asked about sexuality. A recent report from the Danish Health Authority also highlights that women with AF are underrepresented in research. AF has traditionally been overshadowed by more acute conditions and is sometimes referred to as the “Cinderella of cardiology.” As the population ages and people live longer with heart disease, the risk of sexual difficulties increases. This underscores the need for a holistic approach in which psychosocial aspects, including sexuality, are integrated. Aim: This pilot study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how older women with AF experience the impact of the disease and its treatment on their intimacy, sexuality, and relationships, as well as how they are met within the cardiological setting in relation to these themes. Method: A hermeneutic- phenomenological approach was used, based on qualitative research interviews. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three older women diagnosed with AF. All participants belonged to the same cultural segment, which constitutes a methodological limitation. Thematic analysis was conducted with reference to the theory of Clark and Brown. Findings: The study showed that the three women did not perceive AF or its treatment as having negatively affected their intimacy, sexuality, or relationships. Rather than being diminished, their sexuality evolved over the course of life. The women consistently reported that while they felt seen in cardiological care, psychosocial aspects, including sexuality, were not addressed in relation to their AF treatment.

A master programme thesis from Aalborg University

Seksualitet hos kvinder med atrieflimren -kardiologiens Askepot

[Sexuality in women with atrial fibrillation - the Cinderella of cardiology]