Abstract
Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most common cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and adversely affecting various aspects of patients' lives, including their sexual activity. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and sexual activity patterns of patients after MI. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted among patients referred to Hajar Hospital in Shahrekord, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran, from April to October 2024. A total of 102 patients who experienced their first MI completed a demographic characteristics form, the “Sexual Activity Patterns” checklist, and the Persian version of the “Sex after MI Knowledge Test” questionnaire (α = 0.70) at the time of hospital discharge and again two months later. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests in SPSS version 25, with a p-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 102 individuals participated in this study, including 82 men (80.4%) and 20 women (19.6%), with a mean age of 54.95 ± 6.98 years. The mean score of sexual knowledge after MI was 49.75 ± 4.07, with the lowest level of knowledge related to emotional reactions (48.82% correct answers). The mean frequency and duration of sexual intercourse significantly decreased after MI (p < 0.001). Additionally, sexual desire, orgasm experience, enjoyment of sexual intercourse, and engagement in foreplay significantly decreased (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002). Conversely, fear of initiating sexual intercourse significantly increased after MI (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Sexual knowledge after MI—particularly regarding emotional reactions—was inadequate, and patients experienced adverse changes in their sexual activity patterns. These findings highlight the need to integrate structured sexual education and counseling into cardiac rehabilitation programs to enhance sexual knowledge and promote healthier sexual activity patterns among patients after MI.