Understanding the help seeking behaviour of cardiac patients with erectile dysfunction: An exploratory study

Orchard, Adam

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined by the World Health Organisation as "a continuous or repetitive inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfying sexual activity". It is a sexual disorder that affects many men and is particularly prevalent in cardiac populations. Since the release of Viagra in 1998, there has been an increased awareness of ED and arguably with it a reduction in the stigma attached to the condition. Despite this, ED remains significantly undertreated. Sexual dysfunction is an important determinant of a person's quality of life and subjective well-being. Left untreated sexual dysfunction can have an adverse effect on a person's mood, well-being and interpersonal functioning. Some have proposed ED to serve as a marker for occult cardiovascular disease and it is therefore vital that men with ED seek treatment promptly in order that they can be assessed for further cardiac risk factors so that preventative or corrective measures can be put in place as necessary to minimise the chances of chronic illness developing. Researchers have proposed that men's reluctance to seek help is due to masculine attitudes and beliefs they hold. It has been suggested that help seeking may conflict with men's socialization of what it is to be a man i.e. being self-reliant, physically tough and emotionally inexpressive. The extent to which masculinity affects men's help seeking for ED is not yet clear. In order to increase the number of men coming forward for treatment of ED, we must understand the help seeking behaviour associated with it. Whilst there has been much research on the prevalence, aetiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of ED, very little is known about help seeking for it. The primary focus of this research portfolio thesis is on men's help seeking for erectile dysfunction. The specific aim of the research activity is identifying common factors in cardiac patients' experiences of seeking help for ED; highlighting key drivers and barriers to help seeking for the disorder; and elucidating the extent to which masculinity influences such behaviour.

Citation

Orchard, A. (2008). Understanding the help seeking behaviour of cardiac patients with erectile dysfunction: An exploratory study. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4208838

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 16, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 22, 2023
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4208838
• Additional Information: Postgraduate Medical Institute, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Jul 1, 2008