Date of Award

10-13-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MSc in Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Salma Rattani

Second Advisor

Zulekha Salim

Third Advisor

Ms Zainish Surani

Department

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is one of the most common health conditions, which globally is becoming a major contributor to premature morbidity and mortality, and one of the significant contributors to the worldwide burden of non-communicable illnesses. Mostly, hypertension is treated by betablockers, which are effective in lowering blood pressure but are commonly associated with sexual dysfunction. Sexual health is a crucial component of overall well-being and quality of life, which has a significant impact on self-esteem, relationships, and emotional stability. However, in many communities like Pakistan, it remains underrated and rarely discussed due to cultural norms and taboos surrounding sexual health. These side effects can lead to decreased medication compliance, emotional distress, and complicated marital relationships. Despite these hurdles, stigma and embarrassment stop many hypertensive males from discussing sexual concerns with their health care provider and partners.
Thus, it was necessary to explore the experiences of sexual dysfunction among adult hypertensive males on beta-blockers in the Pakistani context
Purpose: To explore the experiences of adult hypertensive males regarding their sexual activity, overall sexual health, and their coping mechanisms to encounter the challenges while taking beta blockers.
Methods: This exploratory descriptive qualitative study investigated the experiences of hypertensive men using beta blockers in Karachi, Pakistan. Ten participants aged 30–50 years were purposively recruited from cardiac settings at a tertiary hospital. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews in Urdu, thematically analyzed following Braun and Clarke’s framework. Rigor was ensured through Lincoln and Guba’s criteria.
Findings: Four themes were extracted emotional and psychological impact of hypertension; sexual dysfunction related to beta blockers; communication barriers with healthcare providers and partners; and coping strategies, barriers, and recommendations.
Conclusion: This exploratory descriptive study, Adult hypertensive males on Beta-blocker therapy faced numerous challenges due to poor sexual health, including erectile dysfunction, which leads to emotional instability and non-compliance to beta blockers. However, integrating sexual health counseling into hypertension care may improve quality of life and adherence and prevent further complications.

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1

Last Page

108

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