Prevalence and One‐Year Incidence of Patient‐Healthcare Professional Discussions About Sexual Health in Hypertensive Adults in France: A Cohort Study

The association between hypertension and sexual dysfunction is documented in both men and women. However, data about sexual health management in hypertensive adults is scarce internationally and non‐existent in France. In this context, our study aimed to estimate the prevalence and the one‐year incidence of discussions about sexual health between hypertensive adults and healthcare professionals in France. A cohort study was conducted among hypertensive adults over a one‐year period. The prevalence and temporality of discussion prior to inclusion were estimated in the overall sample ( N = 676) and the one‐year incidence was estimated among those who declared never having discussed sexual health in their lifetime prior the inclusion and completed at least one follow‐up questionnaire ( n = 279). Missing data was handled using multiple imputation, and attrition bias during follow‐up was corrected using inverse probability weighting. Almost half (44.2%) individuals reported having never discussed about sexual health prior to inclusion. The one‐year incidence was estimated at 12.8% [8.7–17.0]. Around a quarter (23.3% [18.1–28.4]) declared they wanted to discuss about it at least once during the follow‐up period but only 9.1% [1.97–16.2] of them finally had a discussion after having expressed this wish. Our results highlighted the low integration of sexuality into clinical care, and the extent of this communication gap. We are calling for increased awareness among healthcare professionals of the sexual aspects of cardiovascular health. Taking a more systematic approach to sexual health could improve quality of life, therapeutic alliance and adherence to treatment, all of which are essential for controlling hypertension.