Fernanda Dorneles de Morais1, Ruffo Freitas-Junior2, Rosemar Macedo Sousa Rahal2, Carolina Maciel Reis Gonzaga3. 1. Mastology Program, Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Brazil. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Brazil. 3. Health Sciences, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Brazil.
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of sociodemographic and clinical factors on body image, sexual function and sexual satisfaction in women following breast cancer treatment. BACKGROUND: Women with breast cancer may experience a wide range of symptoms associated with body image and sexuality that can severely affect their quality of life. Therefore, the health care professional's ability to understand the patient's complaints and her sexual history is highly relevant in specialised multidisciplinary care. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Seventy-seven participants were included. Body image, sexual function and sexual satisfaction were evaluated using the EORTC QLQ-BR23 questionnaire. Results were shown as means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages. Cronbach's alpha was calculated. Spearman's correlation test, the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis, conducted using the spss statistical software package, version 17.0. RESULTS: Low scores were found in the desire (34·63), frequency (32·03) and sexual satisfaction (45·91) domains, while body image scores were higher (63·57). No strong correlation was found between body image and any of the other domains. Patients without a steady partner experienced more sexual desire (p < 0·04) and more frequent sexual activity (p < 0·01). Sexual activity was also more frequent (p < 0·03) in women with a higher education level and in those using aromatase inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual function and satisfaction were affected to a greater extent than body image. No association was found between body image and sexual performance. The effect of marital status and education level on sexual function merits particular attention. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: A well-trained multidisciplinary team should be available to evaluate women's need for support and to provide information on the disease, its treatment and its impact on their lives and on their sexuality.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of sociodemographic and clinical factors on body image, sexual function and sexual satisfaction in women following breast cancer treatment. BACKGROUND:Women with breast cancer may experience a wide range of symptoms associated with body image and sexuality that can severely affect their quality of life. Therefore, the health care professional's ability to understand the patient's complaints and her sexual history is highly relevant in specialised multidisciplinary care. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Seventy-seven participants were included. Body image, sexual function and sexual satisfaction were evaluated using the EORTC QLQ-BR23 questionnaire. Results were shown as means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages. Cronbach's alpha was calculated. Spearman's correlation test, the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis, conducted using the spss statistical software package, version 17.0. RESULTS: Low scores were found in the desire (34·63), frequency (32·03) and sexual satisfaction (45·91) domains, while body image scores were higher (63·57). No strong correlation was found between body image and any of the other domains. Patients without a steady partner experienced more sexual desire (p < 0·04) and more frequent sexual activity (p < 0·01). Sexual activity was also more frequent (p < 0·03) in women with a higher education level and in those using aromatase inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual function and satisfaction were affected to a greater extent than body image. No association was found between body image and sexual performance. The effect of marital status and education level on sexual function merits particular attention. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: A well-trained multidisciplinary team should be available to evaluate women's need for support and to provide information on the disease, its treatment and its impact on their lives and on their sexuality.
Authors: Daniel María Lubián López; Carmen Aisha Butrón Hinojo; Manuel Sánchez-Prieto; Nicolás Mendoza; Rafael Sánchez-Borrego Journal: Breast Care (Basel) Date: 2020-10-23 Impact factor: 2.268
Authors: Minna Salakari; Raija Nurminen; Lauri Sillanmäki; Liisa Pylkkänen; Sakari Suominen Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2019-12-14 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Ana Isabel Cobo-Cuenca; Noelia María Martín-Espinosa; Antonio Sampietro-Crespo; María Aurora Rodríguez-Borrego; Juan Manuel Carmona-Torres Journal: PLoS One Date: 2018-08-31 Impact factor: 3.240