Abstract
Although sexual function is an important facet of quality of life (1, 2), it is an aspect that is frequently overlooked by healthcare professionals in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) (3, 4). It is known that living with chronic lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, and cystic fibrosis makes maintaining sexual function strenuous (4, 5). Although patients with ILDs face similar difficulties, they have been underrepresented in academic research.
This scoping review aimed to explore the subtypes of sexual dysfunction (SD) encountered by patients with ILDs and to identify its associated factors.
This study was guided by Joanna Briggs Institute framework, and we conducted the database search across PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and APA PsycINFO up until May 31, 2024. Formulating search terms were consulted by a professional librarian. Two independent reviewers performed literature screening and data extraction, resolving discrepancies through discussion with a third reviewer. Data were analyzed by descriptive approach and were presented in a tabular format.
Out of 1896 studies, 14 studies were included in the review. The studies were conducted in Europe (n=7), the United States (n=2), China (n=2), Egypt (n=2), and Australia (n=1). The predominant study designs were qualitative (n=4), followed by cross-sectional (n=3), mixed methods (n=3), observational (n=3), and quasi-experimental (n=1). Erectile dysfunction was the most commonly reported SD among male patients, along with decreased libido. Meanwhile, female patients reported SD across multiple domains, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and dyspareunia. The associated factors of SD were categorized into physiological (e.g., age, dyspnea, hypoxemia, lung function, hormonal imbalances, disease duration), treatment-related (e.g., medication side effects, supplemental oxygen therapy), and psychosocial (e.g., altered body image, low self-esteem, communication difficulties, depression).
This review highlights the presence of SD among patients with ILDs and underscores the importance for healthcare professionals, especially nurses who interact frequently with these patients, to be aware of and actively intervene in their sexual health needs.
Notes
References:
1. Hendriks PM, Staal DP, Pastoor H, Kolpa CIA, van den Bosch AE, Post MC, et al. Sexual function is impaired in women and men with pulmonary hypertension. Clinical Research in Cardiology. 2023;112(7):981-90.
2. Barger D. Sexual Function and Quality of Life: Assessing Existing Tools and Considerations for New Technologies. In: Wac K, Wulfovich S, editors. Quantifying Quality of Life: Incorporating Daily Life into Medicine. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2022. p. 395-427.
3. Zysman M, Rubenstein J, Le Guillou F, Colson RMH, Pochulu C, Grassion L, et al. COPD burden on sexual well-being. Respiratory Research. 2020;21(1):311.
4. Soriano JB, Polverino F. Sexual activity and respiratory disease: A systematic review. Respiratory Medicine. 2024;228:107665.
5. West NE, Kazmerski TM, Taylor-Cousar JL, Tangpricha V, Pearson K, Aitken ML, et al. Optimizing sexual and reproductive health across the lifespan in people with cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2022;57 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S89-s100.
Sigma Membership
Lambda Alpha at-Large
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Transition to Practice, Onboarding, Interprofessional or Interdisciplinary, Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health
Recommended Citation
Park, Gyeryung; Park, Jeongok; and Lee, Daun, "Sexual Dysfunction Among Patients Living With Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Scoping Review" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 31.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/31
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Sexual Dysfunction Among Patients Living With Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Scoping Review
Seattle, Washington, USA
Although sexual function is an important facet of quality of life (1, 2), it is an aspect that is frequently overlooked by healthcare professionals in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) (3, 4). It is known that living with chronic lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, and cystic fibrosis makes maintaining sexual function strenuous (4, 5). Although patients with ILDs face similar difficulties, they have been underrepresented in academic research.
This scoping review aimed to explore the subtypes of sexual dysfunction (SD) encountered by patients with ILDs and to identify its associated factors.
This study was guided by Joanna Briggs Institute framework, and we conducted the database search across PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and APA PsycINFO up until May 31, 2024. Formulating search terms were consulted by a professional librarian. Two independent reviewers performed literature screening and data extraction, resolving discrepancies through discussion with a third reviewer. Data were analyzed by descriptive approach and were presented in a tabular format.
Out of 1896 studies, 14 studies were included in the review. The studies were conducted in Europe (n=7), the United States (n=2), China (n=2), Egypt (n=2), and Australia (n=1). The predominant study designs were qualitative (n=4), followed by cross-sectional (n=3), mixed methods (n=3), observational (n=3), and quasi-experimental (n=1). Erectile dysfunction was the most commonly reported SD among male patients, along with decreased libido. Meanwhile, female patients reported SD across multiple domains, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and dyspareunia. The associated factors of SD were categorized into physiological (e.g., age, dyspnea, hypoxemia, lung function, hormonal imbalances, disease duration), treatment-related (e.g., medication side effects, supplemental oxygen therapy), and psychosocial (e.g., altered body image, low self-esteem, communication difficulties, depression).
This review highlights the presence of SD among patients with ILDs and underscores the importance for healthcare professionals, especially nurses who interact frequently with these patients, to be aware of and actively intervene in their sexual health needs.
Description
Maintaining sexual function in ILD patients is challenging but often overlooked. This scoping review identified erectile dysfunction and decreased libido in males, while females experienced issues with desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Associated factors of sexual dysfunction include physiological, treatment-related, and psychosocial factors. The study highlights the importance of healthcare professionals to assess sexual health to improve patients' quality of life.