Highlights
- •We examine factors related to CVD and physician communication among older Veterans.
- •Data from the 2010 National Social Life, Health and Aging Project was examined.
- •Veterans with CVD were more likely to have comorbidities and sexual dysfunctions.
- •Veterans who discussed sex with a physician had CVD, sex in the past year, and ED.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify socio-demographic and health behavior factors associated
with cardiovascular disease (CVD) diagnosis and patient-physician communication concerning
sexual issues among older Veterans.
Methods
Cross-sectional data were collected from 635 male Veterans over age 55 years as part
of the 2010 National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, a nationally-representative,
population-based study of community-dwelling older Americans. Two independent logistic
regression analyses were performed.
Results
Over 33% of Veterans were aged 75 years or older. Over one-half of participants reported
having a CVD diagnosis (58%) and sexual intercourse within the previous year (58%);
over one-third (37%) reported having one or more sexual dysfunctions and discussing
sexual issues with their physician (42%). Veterans diagnosed with CVD were significantly
more likely to self-identify as racial/ethnic minorities (OR = 1.89, P = 0.021), have more chronic disease comorbidities (OR = 1.23, P = 0.041), and have more sexual dysfunctions (OR = 1.19, P = 0.028). Veterans diagnosed with CVD were significantly less likely to report having
sex within the previous year (OR = 0.53, P = 0.005). Veterans who reported discussing sexual issues with a physician were significantly
more likely to be ≥75 years (OR = 1.79, P = 0.010), and report more than a high school education (OR = 1.62, P = 0.016), CVD diagnosis (OR = 1.59, P = 0.015), sex within the previous year (OR = 1.69, P = 0.033), and trouble achieving/maintaining an erection (OR = 3.39, P < 0.001).
Implications
These findings suggest older male Veterans, particularly racial/ethnic minorities
and those less-educated, may benefit from VA and community-based aging and sexual
health/counseling services. These services should promote increased patient-physician
communication as well as referrals between physicians and sex health/counseling specialists.
Abbreviations:
OR (odds ratio), CVD (cardiovascular disease), ED (erectile dysfunction), VA (Veterans Health Administration), NSHAP (National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project), ADL (activities of daily living), CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), AMA (American Medical Association), EDM (erectile dysfunction medication)Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 08, 2016
Accepted:
July 29,
2016
Received in revised form:
July 1,
2016
Received:
May 6,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
