Sexual Dysfunction and Its Correlation with Quality of Life among Women Affected with Cancer

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Instructor Nursing, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.

2 Instructor Nursing, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer diagnosis and its treatment can lead to sexual dysfunction in patients. Since sexual function is an important aspect of quality of life and our goal in this study was to identify correlation between sexual dysfunction and quality of life among woman affected with cancer.
Methods: In this descriptive –correlative study woman patients with cancers of uterus, cervix, ovary and breast in Tonekabon and Ramsar were enrolled.
This research used convenience sampling and one hundred women with cancer participated. Rosen index (FSFI) was used to assess the sexual dysfunction and Aronson index was used to collect data of quality of life.
Results: The findings indicated that 60% of participants had moderate sexual dysfunction and libido and sexual arousal were most commonly affected. Appropriate quality of life was seen in 53.4% of studied participants in this study. Chi-square test showed a significant correlation between sexual dysfunction and quality of life in the women patients affected with Cancer (P<0.000).
Conclusion: Sexual function is an important aspect of quality of life. Understanding of alterations and sexual dysfunction is a necessary and important aspect of diagnosis and treatment of women patients affected by cancer. Healthcare providers have an important role in evaluation and promotion of patient’s quality of life. Use of appropriate interventions, teaching, and counseling are strategies that are suggested in promotion of sexual health in women patients affected with cancer.

Keywords

References

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