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Psychological correlates of sexual dysfunction in female rectal and anal cancer survivors: analysis of baseline intervention data.
- Source :
-
The journal of sexual medicine [J Sex Med] 2013 Oct; Vol. 10 (10), pp. 2539-48. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Apr 03. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Sexual dysfunction represents a complex and multifactorial construct that can affect both men and women and has been noted to often deteriorate significantly after treatment for rectal and anal cancer. Despite this, it remains an understudied, underreported, and undertreated issue in the field of cancer survivorship.<br />Aim: This study examined the characteristics of women enrolled in an intervention trial to treat sexual dysfunction, and explored the relationship between sexual functioning and psychological well-being.<br />Methods: There were 70 female posttreatment anal or rectal cancer survivors assessed as part of the current study. Participants were enrolled in a randomized intervention trial to treat sexual dysfunction and completed outcome measures prior to randomization.<br />Main Outcomes Measures: The main outcome measures are quality of life (QOL) (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire [EORTC-QLQ-C30] and Colorectal Cancer-Specific Module [QLQ-CR38]), sexual functioning (Female Sexual Functioning Index), and psychological well-being (Brief Symptom Inventory Depression/Anxiety, Impact of Events Scale-Revised, CR-38 Body Image).<br />Results: Women enrolled in the study intervention were on average 55 years old, predominantly Caucasian (79%), married (57%), and a median of 4 years postprimary treatment. For those reporting sexual activity at baseline (N=41), sexual dysfunction was associated with a range of specific measures of psychological well-being, all in the hypothesized direction. The Sexual/Relationship Satisfaction subscale was associated with all measures of psychological well-being (r=-0.45 to -0.70, all P<0.01). Body image, anxiety, and cancer-specific posttraumatic distress were notable in their association with subscales of sexual functioning, while a global QOL measure was largely unrelated.<br />Conclusions: For sexually active female rectal and anal cancer survivors enrolled in a sexual health intervention, sexual dysfunction was significantly and consistently associated with specific measures of psychological well-being, most notably Sexual/Relationship Satisfaction. These results suggest that sexual functioning may require focused assessment by providers, beyond broad QOL assessments, and that attention to Sexual/Relationship Satisfaction may be critical in the development and implementation of interventions for this cohort of patients.<br /> (© 2013 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)
- Subjects :
- Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Anus Neoplasms psychology
Anxiety etiology
Anxiety psychology
Body Image
Depression etiology
Depression psychology
Female
Humans
Male
Marital Status
Middle Aged
New York City
Personal Satisfaction
Rectal Neoplasms psychology
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological diagnosis
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological etiology
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological therapy
Sexual Partners
Surveys and Questionnaires
Time Factors
Treatment Outcome
Anus Neoplasms therapy
Quality of Life
Rectal Neoplasms therapy
Sexual Behavior
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological psychology
Survivors psychology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1743-6109
- Volume :
- 10
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The journal of sexual medicine
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 23551928
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12152