Development of the Complex Intervention: Physical Activity to reduce Vascular Erectile Dysfunction

For many men erectile dysfunction (ED) is a problem. The most common form of ED is vascular ED. Physical activity can prevent and reduce vascular ED. The overall aim was to develop the complex intervention ‘Physical Activity to reduce Vascular Erectile Dysfunction’ (PAVED). Recommended physical activity to reduce vascular ED should include supervised training consisting of 40 minutes of aerobic exercise of moderate to high intensity 4 times a week. Men attending cardiac rehabilitation seemed to prospectively accept health professionals’ address of sexuality, ED and information about PAVED, if health professionals are educated and competent in the field of sexual health. Regarding health professionals' communication, the men had perspectives on the questions of 'why', 'what', 'how' and 'which' that can be used to design the information about PAVED. The Danish version of the Students Attitudes towards Addressing Sexual Health was provided. Most Danish health professional students reported positive attitudes and a need for basic knowledge, competence, communication training and education in the field of addressing sexual health. The findings in this PhD project have contributed to developing an evidence and need-driven base for intervention studies regarding PAVED, together with increased understanding of the importance of educating future healthcare providers in sexual health.