Dissertation

Exploratory Description and Longitudinal Modeling of Predictors of Sexual Function and Satisfaction in Post-Myocardial Infarction

Description of dissertation

Myocardial infarction (MI) negatively impacts many aspects of patient quality of life, one of which is sexual health. Sexual health is a crucial component of quality of life for many individuals; however, sexual function is critically understudied in the post-MI population. This lack of research has left health care providers and patients unsure on how sexual function components change and what psychosocial factors influence it. Identification of modifiable predictors of both increased and decreased function is paramount before effective interventions can be developed. Therefore, the purpose of my dissertation research was to illuminate the changes in sexual function over time and apply exploratory modeling to examine potential predictors of function in patients post-MI.

Dissertation committee

• Debra L. Barton, PhD, RN, AOCN, FAAN (Chair) - School of Nursing, University of Michigan

• Matthew A. Davis, PhD, MPH - School of Nursing, University of Michigan

• Elizabeth A. Jackson, MD, MPH - Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Jacqui Smith, PhD (Cognate) - Department of Psychology and Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan

• Daniela Wittmann, PhD, LMSW - Department of Urology, University of Michigan

Substantive skills obtained

• Survey selection and appraisal

• Prospective data collection design

• Active patient screening, consent, follow up, and incentives

• Data management

• Regression and longitudinal modeling analysis techniques using Stata and SAS statistical software