Kristina Geue1, Ricarda Schmidt2, Annekathrin Sender1, Siegfried Sauter3, Michael Friedrich1. 1. University of Leipzig, Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany. 2. Leipzig University Medical Center, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases, Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 27, 04103, Leipzig, Germany. 3. Rehabilitation Clinic for Children with their Families, Youngsters and Young Adults, Oberkatzensteig 11, 78141, Schönwald im Schwarzwald, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: In recent years, psycho-oncology has focused more and more on adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA). Many studies have concentrated on fertility issues in AYAs, but romantic relationships and sexuality have only been researched to a limited extent. This cross-sectional study examined AYAs' quality of relationships and sexuality satisfaction thereby identifying sex differences. METHODS: Ninety-nine cancer patients (N = 33 males) diagnosed between 15 and 39 years who were in a romantic relationship at the time of the survey completed questionnaires on their relationship (Partnership Questionnaire), sexuality (Life Satisfaction Questionnaire), and sexuality needs (Supportive Care Needs Survey). Test for mean differences and regression analyses to determine associated variables were performed. RESULTS: Seventy-six percent of AYAs (N = 75) rated their relationship quality as high. About 64% of patients reported having less sexual intercourse since diagnosis, more women than men (72% vs. 45%; p = .011). The need for support was strongest for changes in sexual feelings (N = 38; 38.3%). Duration of relationship (β = -0.224), being on sick leave (β = 0.325), and satisfaction with sexuality (β = 0.409) were associated with satisfaction with relationship (R(2) = 0.256). Satisfaction with sexuality (R(2) = 0.344) was regressed on physical function (β = 0.419), satisfaction with relationship (β = 0.428), and male gender (β = -0.175). Sexuality need (R(2) = 0.436) was associated with fatigue (β = 0.232) and satisfaction with sexuality (β = -0.522). CONCLUSION: Although they reported high satisfaction with their relationships, AYA patients experienced sexual problems and need support with sexual issues. As a substantial proportion of patients felt stressed because of sexual changes, communication and interventions addressing post-cancer sexuality, particularly in women, are indicated.
OBJECTIVE: In recent years, psycho-oncology has focused more and more on adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYA). Many studies have concentrated on fertility issues in AYAs, but romantic relationships and sexuality have only been researched to a limited extent. This cross-sectional study examined AYAs' quality of relationships and sexuality satisfaction thereby identifying sex differences. METHODS: Ninety-nine cancerpatients (N = 33 males) diagnosed between 15 and 39 years who were in a romantic relationship at the time of the survey completed questionnaires on their relationship (Partnership Questionnaire), sexuality (Life Satisfaction Questionnaire), and sexuality needs (Supportive Care Needs Survey). Test for mean differences and regression analyses to determine associated variables were performed. RESULTS: Seventy-six percent of AYAs (N = 75) rated their relationship quality as high. About 64% of patients reported having less sexual intercourse since diagnosis, more women than men (72% vs. 45%; p = .011). The need for support was strongest for changes in sexual feelings (N = 38; 38.3%). Duration of relationship (β = -0.224), being on sick leave (β = 0.325), and satisfaction with sexuality (β = 0.409) were associated with satisfaction with relationship (R(2) = 0.256). Satisfaction with sexuality (R(2) = 0.344) was regressed on physical function (β = 0.419), satisfaction with relationship (β = 0.428), and male gender (β = -0.175). Sexuality need (R(2) = 0.436) was associated with fatigue (β = 0.232) and satisfaction with sexuality (β = -0.522). CONCLUSION: Although they reported high satisfaction with their relationships, AYA patients experienced sexual problems and need support with sexual issues. As a substantial proportion of patients felt stressed because of sexual changes, communication and interventions addressing post-cancer sexuality, particularly in women, are indicated.
Authors: Giselle K Perez; John M Salsman; Kaitlyn Fladeboe; Anne C Kirchhoff; Elyse R Park; Abby R Rosenberg Journal: Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book Date: 2020-03
Authors: Lena Wettergren; Erin E Kent; Sandra A Mitchell; Brad Zebrack; Charles F Lynch; Mara B Rubenstein; Theresa H M Keegan; Xiao-Cheng Wu; Helen M Parsons; Ashley Wilder Smith Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2016-06-20 Impact factor: 3.894
Authors: Maria Olsson; Gunnar Steineck; Karin Enskär; Ulrica Wilderäng; Marianne Jarfelt Journal: J Cancer Surviv Date: 2018-03-05 Impact factor: 4.442
Authors: Natasha N Frederick; Vicky Lehmann; Astrid Ahler; Kristen Carpenter; Brooke Cherven; James L Klosky; Leena Nahata; Gwendolyn P Quinn Journal: Pediatr Blood Cancer Date: 2021-12-06 Impact factor: 3.838
Authors: Leena Nahata; Taylor L Morgan; Keagan G Lipak; Randal S Olshefski; Cynthia A Gerhardt; Vicky Lehmann Journal: J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol Date: 2019-11-13 Impact factor: 2.223
Authors: Brooke Cherven; Amani Sampson; Sharon L Bober; Kristin Bingen; Natasha Frederick; David R Freyer; Gwendolyn P Quinn Journal: CA Cancer J Clin Date: 2020-12-07 Impact factor: 508.702
Authors: Johanna Ringwald; Lennart Marwedel; Florian Junne; Katrin Ziser; Norbert Schäffeler; Lena Gerstner; Markus Wallwiener; Sara Yvonne Brucker; Martin Hautzinger; Stephan Zipfel; Martin Teufel Journal: JMIR Cancer Date: 2017-11-24