Addressing the Sexual Health Needs of Patients With Gynecologic Cancers

Point-of-care assessment of sexual concerns among young adult oncology active patients and survivors

PURPOSE

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology populations have unique sexual health concerns that deserve more attention. Our study aimed to describe sexual health and related concerns in young adults (YAs) to move toward integrating sexual health into routine care.

METHODS

A total of 127 YAs (ages 19-39) in active treatment and survivorship from three outpatient oncology clinics provided demographic and clinical information. They completed versions of the NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem List (AYA-POST; AYA-SPOST) developed specifically for AYAs as part of an ongoing needs assessment study.

RESULTS

Over one quarter (27.6%) of the total sample (Mage = 31.96, SD = 5.33) - 31.9% in active treatment (n = 72) and 21.8% in survivorship (n = 55) - reported at least one sexual health concern (i.e., sexual concern, loss of libido (desire for sex), pain with sex, and unprotected sex). Those undergoing active treatment with sexual concerns had significantly higher distress than those without sexual concerns, whereas this pattern was nonsignificant for those in survivorship. Both genders often endorsed general sexual concerns and loss of libido.

CONCLUSION

The current study adds to the important and burgeoning literature on sexual health concerns of YAs oncology populations. The prevalence of sexual concerns, differences between treatment status and between those with and without sexual concerns highlight the utility and need to embed screening that includes sexual health items at point of care. This can facilitate discussion of these sensitive and multifaceted needs throughout the cancer continuum.

Point of Care Assessment of Sexual Concerns among AYA Oncology Active Patients and Survivors

Purpose Adolescent and young adults (AYAs) oncology populations have unique sexual health concerns that deserve more attention. The current study aimed to describe the prevalence and characteristics of sexual health and related concerns in AYAs in active treatment and survivorship to move toward integrating sexual health in routine care. Methods A total of 127 AYAs (ages 19-39) in active treatment and survivorship were recruited from three outpatient oncology clinics. In addition to providing demographic and clinical information, they completed an adapted version of the NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem List (AYA-POST; AYA-SPOST) as part of an ongoing needs assessment study. Results Over one quarter (27.6%) of the total sample ( M age = 31.96, SD  = 5.33) - 31.9% of active treatment, and 21.8% in survivorship - reported at least one sexual health concern (i.e., sexual concern, loss of libido, pain with sex, and unprotected sex). The most frequently endorsed concerns differed between active treatments and survivorship. Both genders often endorsed general sexual concerns and loss of libido. Conclusion The literature on sexual concerns in the AYA population is sparse and inconclusive, especially accounting for gender and other types of concerns. The current study highlights the need for further examination between treatment status, psychosexual concerns, emotional distress, and demographic and clinical factors. Given the prevalence of sexual concerns in AYAs in active treatment and survivorship, providers should consider integrating assessment and discussion of these needs at onset of diagnosis and as part of monitoring.

A silence full of words: sociocultural beliefs behind the sexual health of Iranian women undergoing breast cancer treatment, a qualitative study

PURPOSE

Therapeutic interventions lead to impaired sexual health in women undergoing breast cancer treatment. There are some problem such as vaginal dryness, decreased libido, decreased sexual satisfaction, and decreased frequency of sexual intercourse among breast cancer survivors. This study was conducted to discover the sexual experiences of women undergoing breast cancer treatment.

METHODS

A total of 39 semi-structured interviews were held with the women undergoing breast cancer treatment, husbands, and health care providers. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Three categories of cultural and gender taboos, adherence to subjective norms, and hidden values in sexuality were revealed. The cultural and gender taboos category consisted of subcategories of learned sexual shame, fear of judgment, sexual schemas, and gender stereotypes. The adherence to subjective norms category consisted of subcategories of sexual socialization, being labeled as a disabled woman and the priority of being alive to sexuality. The hidden values in sexuality category consist of subcategories of Task-based sexuality, Tamkin, and Sexuality prevents infidelity.

CONCLUSIONS

Socio-cultural beliefs affect the sexual health of women undergoing breast cancer treatment, so paying attention to this issue can improve the quality of sexual health services.

Sexual health promotion interventional program for women undergoing breast cancer treatment: Protocol for a mix-methods study

BACKGROUND

Women undergoing breast cancer treatment, especially those of reproductive age, experience sexual health challenges. The aim of this study is to design an interventional program for promoting the sexual health of women undergoing breast cancer treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a mixed qualitative-quantitative exploratory study consisting of four phases. In the first phase, the needs and strategies for promoting sexual health of Iranian women with breast cancer in Isfahan city will be identified through a qualitative study. The patients will be selected using purposive sampling method and the data will be collected through semi-structured interviews. In the second phase of the study, the relevant literature will be reviewed. In the third phase, the initial version of the program will be designed based on the results of qualitative study and review of literature, the appropriate strategies are prioritized by the members of the panel of experts, and then, the final interventional program is prepared. In the fourth phase, the designed interventional program will be conducted as a quasi-experimental study in two groups of intervention and control and the effectiveness of the program on sexual quality of life, sexual satisfaction, and sexual function of women undergoing breast cancer treatment will be evaluated. The type of the intervention will be selected based on the results of the previous phases and the opinion of the expert panel.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study are expected to contribute to the design of an interventional program based on the needs of women undergoing breast cancer treatment and promote health and meet the sexual health needs of breast cancer patients.

Sexual Dysfunction in Cervical Cancer Survivors: A Scoping Review

Sexual function in cervical cancer survivors declines significantly after treatments irrespective of the modality used. Only a few studies have looked at their psychosexual needs, perception, and acceptance of psychosexual support. This review summarizes findings of current qualitative as well as quantitative studies to understand the plight of cervical cancer survivors regarding sexual dysfunction and the management issues. The effect of gynecologic cancers on sexuality depends on multiple factors such as psychosexual factors, biologic factors, and age. Younger patients have poorer outcomes with a more pronounced impact on sexual well-being. Radicality of surgery has direct correlation with sexual dysfunction. Low or no sexual interest, lack of lubrication, dyspareunia, and reduced vaginal caliber are frequently found. For too long, researchers have focused on defining the prevalence and types of sexual problems after various cancer treatments. The area that continues to be neglected is the evaluation of effective interventions to prevent or treat cancer-related sexual dysfunction. In particular, mental health and medical specialists need to collaborate to create cost-effective treatment programs. Collaborative intervention with gynecologists, sexologists, radiotherapists, and nursing staff would be beneficial to optimize the sexual wellness of cancer survivors and their spouses.

The caring experience and supportive care needs of male partners for women with gynaecologic cancer: A qualitative literature review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review male partners' caring experience and supportive care needs when caring for women with gynaecologic cancer.

METHODS

The PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct this systematic review. We performed a comprehensive literature search in nine databases and qualitative studies published in English or Chinese from inception to January 2020. The included papers were appraised, using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool for qualitative research. An inductive thematic analysis method was adopted to synthesise major findings to construct core concepts and themes.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included in this review, and four overarching themes emerged the following: the negative experience of disease, the need for supportive care to cope, adapting to a new life and post-traumatic growth.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that male partners had both negative and positive experiences in the caring process, and they could adjust themselves to some extent. Their perceived supportive care needs were often neglected.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Male partners of women with gynaecologic cancer are an under-recognised group. The couple-oriented or family-oriented supportive care programmes should be implemented to meet the supportive care needs of male partners to enhance their health and well-being.

Sexual Health Issues in Patients with Cancer-An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study of the Awareness Levels of Radiation Therapists

INTRODUCTION

Patients with cancer report dissatisfaction with care they receive in relation to changes affecting intimacy and relationships. Health care professionals describe barriers in providing support in these areas due to lack of time, training, education, and privacy. Radiation therapists (RTs) play a key role in cancer care, but there is little evidence in the literature of their role in sexual health care. This project investigated awareness levels of RTs in sexual health issues related to patients with cancer receiving radiation therapy.

METHODS

A prospective mixed methods approach was used for this investigation. Quantitative data was collected via an online questionnaire developed from the literature. Two hundred eighty-four RTs from two large cancer centers were eligible to participate; 84 responded (29%). Two focus groups were conducted with 15 volunteer RTs to validate questionnaire data and further explore the topic. Content analysis was used to identify key themes from the qualitative data.

RESULTS

RT respondents acknowledged the complexity of sexual health issues in patients with cancer. Eighty-five percent (n = 56) strongly agreed/agreed that all patients with cancer, regardless of cancer site, can experience issues which may affect sexual health. Ninety-two percent (n = 61) strongly agreed/agreed that sexual health is important for a persons' quality of life. As part of the radiation therapy treatment planning process, 54.5% of RTs (n = 31) strongly agreed/agreed that they consider the impact of physical side effects of radiation therapy on the sexual health of patients; during treatment delivery, 56% (n = 36) agreed/strongly agreed that they consider the physical side effects on their patients' sexual health.

CONCLUSIONS

Data indicated that RTs are aware that a cancer diagnosis and the subsequent treatments may lead to issues that affect sexual health. They are aware of the complex nature of sexual health and understand its importance in a persons' quality of life and that all patients with cancer regardless of site may experience issues which can impact their sexual health. Their responses suggest that they can relate their training and clinical practice to sexual health issues experienced by patients in their care. Current RT involvement in sexual health care is limited due to various process and environmental factors similar to those found in other health care professionals practice. By eliminating these barriers and supporting the inclusion of sexual health into the clinical practice of RTs, health care resources can be maximized to support the resolution of unmet needs of patients and their partners. In that way the quality of patient care services can be improved.

The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Sexual Function in Endometrial Cancer

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association between pretreatment body mass index (BMI) and post-treatment sexual function in women treated for endometrial cancer. 
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SAMPLE & SETTING

28 postmenopausal women treated with vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) took part in this multisite exploratory secondary analysis at the University of Pennsylvania and Northwestern University. 
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METHODS & VARIABLES

Secondary data analysis was used to determine if pretreatment BMI is associated with post-VBT sexual function in postmenopausal women treated for endometrial cancer at baseline and at six months post-treatment. Because of small sample size, participants were dichotomized according to enrollment BMI.

RESULTS

Both groups had poor sexual function at baseline. Although improved function was observed with time, neither group reached a score indicating healthy sexual function.
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IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Understanding factors that influence sexual health in patients with gynecologic cancer can improve post-treatment quality of life. 
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Barriers for the inclusion of sexuality in nursing care for women with gynecological and breast cancer: perspective of professionals

AIM

qualitative study, which aimed to identify the barriers that influence nursing care practices related to the sexuality of women with gynecological and breast cancer.

METHODS

the study was conducted with 16 professionals of the nursing area (nurses, nursing technicians and nursing assistants) from two sectors of a university hospital situated in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The data was collected using semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews. All the interviews were recorded and the participants' responses were identified and categorized using Content Analysis.

RESULTS

three major themes were identified. These are as follows: 1) barriers related to the biomedical model; 2) barriers related to institutional dynamics and 3) barriers related to the social interpretations of sexuality.

CONCLUSIONS

the results of this study showed that the systematized inclusion of this issue in nursing care routines requires changes in the health paradigm and in the work dynamic, as well as reflection on the personal values and social interpretations related to the topic. A major challenge is to divest sexuality of the taboos and prejudices which accompany it, as well as to contribute to the nursing team being more aware of the difficulties faced by women with gynaecological and breast cancer.

The Clinician's Toolbox: Assessing the Sexual Impacts of Cancer on Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer (AYAC)

INTRODUCTION

Adolescents and young adults aged 15-39 years who have been diagnosed with cancer (AYAC) have unique medical and psychosocial needs. Following their cancer treatments, AYAC must learn to manage the sometimes irreversible general side effects of cancer treatments including side effects that impact their sexuality. These side effects include but are not limited to: infertility, altered body/physical appearance, and sexual dysfunction. Such effects may hinder AYAC efforts to date and experiment sexually, limiting sexual maturation and confidence, as well as the formation or maintenance of meaningful couple and sexual relationships. It is clear that we need to tailor our clinical approaches to ensure that we assess the unique needs and concerns faced by AYAC.

AIMS

Based on consistent study findings substantiating the distinctive needs of AYAC, the main objective of this article is to present the core clinical components involved in assessing sexuality among AYAC.

METHODS

The clinical recommendations are based on the authors and experts' clinical experiences coupled with a thorough examination of the literature related to AYAC sexuality.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

This article first describes the three components (clinical interview, review of chart notes, and self-report questionnaires) of a sexuality assessment and the seven core domains that highlight target areas of focus.

RESULTS

A detailed outline of each of the core domains of assessment (socio-demographics; medical history; fertility and sexually transmitted infection; sexual functioning; sexual coping style; body and self-image; and sexual history and dating/couple experience) is presented. A "toolbox" table containing useful resources for clinicians (e.g., questionnaires and red flags) and direct resources for AYAC patients are included.

CONCLUSION

Cancer can have a significant impact on numerous domains of AYAC sexuality. The assessment of and attention to the impact of sexuality on AYAC is crucial in order to provide effective and comprehensive quality patient cancer care.

Discussing sexuality with cancer patients: oncology nurses attitudes and views

BACKGROUND

Sexual health and function frequently are overlooked by healthcare professionals despite being identified as an essential aspect of patient care. Patients with cancer have identified sexuality issues as being of equal importance to other quality-of-life issues.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the views and attitudes of oncology nurses caring for cancer patients regarding sexual counseling.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on the web site of the Turkish Oncology Nurses Association. With the participation of 87 nurses from oncology departments, the study determined that most nurses do not evaluate and counsel patients regarding their sexual problems and many difficulties prevent them from focussing on sexual health. The most important reasons for ignoring sexual counseling were the absence of routine regarding sexual counseling in oncology departments, the belief that the patient may become ashamed and the nurses' self-evaluation that they have insufficient skills and education to counsel in this subject.

CONCLUSIONS

The most important variables in sexual evaluation and counseling are long years of service in the profession and a postgraduate degree.

Perceived causes and consequences of sexual changes after cancer for women and men: a mixed method study

BACKGROUND

Previous research on cancer and sexuality has focused on physical aspects of sexual dysfunction, neglecting the subjective meaning and consequences of sexual changes. This has led to calls for research on cancer and sexuality to adopt an "integrative" approach, and to examine the ways in which individuals interpret sexual changes, and the subjective consequences of sexual changes.

METHOD

This study examined the nature and subjective experience and consequences of changes to sexual well-being after cancer, using a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis. Six hundred and fifty seven people with cancer (535 women, 122 men), across a range of reproductive and non-reproductive cancer types completed a survey and 44 (23 women, 21 men) took part in an in-depth interview.

RESULTS

Sexual frequency, sexual satisfaction and engagement in a range of penetrative and non-penetrative sexual activities were reported to have reduced after cancer, for both women and men, across reproductive and non-reproductive cancer types. Perceived causes of such changes were physical consequences of cancer treatment, psychological factors, body image concerns and relationship factors. Sex specific difficulties (vaginal dryness and erectile dysfunction) were the most commonly reported explanation for both women and men, followed by tiredness and feeling unattractive for women, and surgery and getting older for men. Psychological and relationship factors were also identified as consequence of changes to sexuality. This included disappointment at loss of sexual intimacy, frustration and anger, sadness, feelings of inadequacy and changes to sense of masculinity of femininity, as well as increased confidence and self-comfort; and relationship strain, relationship ending and difficulties forming a new relationship. Conversely, a number of participants reported increased confidence, re-prioritisation of sex, sexual re-negotiation, as well as a strengthened relationship, after cancer.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study confirm the importance of health professionals and support workers acknowledging sexual changes when providing health information and developing supportive interventions, across the whole spectrum of cancer care. Psychological interventions aimed at reducing distress and improving quality of life after cancer should include a component on sexual well-being, and sexual interventions should incorporate components on psychological and relational functioning.

Sexual counselling for individuals with cardiovascular disease and their partners: a consensus document from the American Heart Association and the ESC Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions (CCNAP)

After a cardiovascular event, patients and their families often cope with numerous changes in their lives, including dealing with consequences of the disease or its treatment on their daily lives and functioning. Coping poorly with both physical and psychological challenges may lead to impaired quality of life. Sexuality is one aspect of quality of life that is important for many patients and partners that may be adversely affected by a cardiac event. The World Health Organization defines sexual health as '… a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences ….'(1(p4)) The safety and timing of return to sexual activity after a cardiac event have been well addressed in an American Heart Association scientific statement, and decreased sexual activity among cardiac patients is frequently reported.(2) Rates of erectile dysfunction (ED) among men with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are twice as high as those in the general population, with similar rates of sexual dysfunction in females with CVD.(3) ED and vaginal dryness may also be presenting signs of heart disease and may appear 1-3 years before the onset of angina pectoris. Estimates reflect that only a small percentage of those with sexual dysfunction seek medical care;(4) therefore, routine assessment of sexual problems and sexual counselling may be of benefit as part of effective management by physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers.

Assessing student nurses' learning needs for addressing patients' sexual health concerns in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Patients' health status may involve sexual issues and nursing education must prepare nurses to address patients' sexual health concerns. In Taiwan, nursing school curricula rarely include programs related to patients' sexuality or sexual health issues, and reflect conservative Asian attitudes toward sexuality.

OBJECTIVES

Our aims were to determine Taiwanese student nurses' learning needs relative to addressing patients' sexual health concerns, and to gather information for curriculum development in sexual health education.

DESIGN

Descriptive, correlational study.

SETTING

Nursing school at a medical university in central Taiwan.

PARTICIPANTS

140 senior student nurses.

METHODS

A 24-item instrument entitled "Learning Needs for Addressing Patients' Sexual Health Concerns" (LNAPSHC) was developed through 15 semi-structured interviews of senior nursing students, expert review, and comparative analysis of text and field notes. Content validity and reliability were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis to measure construct validity and Cronbach's alpha to measure internal consistency. Univariate and multivariate linear models were developed.

RESULTS

Age, gender, and religion were not significant influences. Expressed learning needs included sexuality in health and illness, communication about patients' intimate relationships, and approaches to sexual health care. "Obtaining a comprehensive sexual health history" was the highest learning need. "Having sexual consultations with patients without embarrassment" was lower. Most participants recognized their role in sexuality-related health care, but their preparation and willingness to address it were limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated a gap between student nurses' positive perspectives on the role of nursing in sexual health care and their limited intention to provide it. Reported learning needs indicated that student nurses needed an effective curriculum to increase their ability and willingness to address patients' sexual health. Our results may help nursing educators develop curricula and clinical training to increase student nurses' competence in addressing patients' sexual health concerns.

Opinions and expectations of women in the treatment of cervical and uterine cancer in Spain

AIM

To know the experiences, needs and expectations of women in the treatment of cervical and uterine cancer in the Andalusian Health Service.

METHODS

Focus groups and in-depth interviews with women being treated for cervical-uterine cancer within the Andalusian Health Service. Analysis with Nudist Vivo 1.0 (QSR International Pty Ltd, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia).

RESULTS

The needs and expectations detected were: coherence in the promotion strategies and the presence of a proactive approach by health professionals, availability of comprehensive information and understanding, possibility of expressing to health professionals one's doubts and fears, and of participation in decision-making, technical quality, humane treatment and continuity of care and attention to psychosocial aspects.

CONCLUSION

The knowledge of women in the treatment of cancer of the cervix and uterus plays a crucial part in improving the delivery of these services.

Chinese nurses' attitudes and beliefs toward sexuality care in cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The importance of having nurses address patients' sexuality concerns is emphasized by a growing body of literature. Most relevant studies were conducted in Western cultural settings.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe Chinese nurses' attitudes and beliefs regarding sexuality care in cancer patients.

METHODS

A descriptive and correlation design was adopted. Data were collected by an inventory of Sexuality Attitudes and Beliefs Survey.

RESULTS

Oncology nurses (n = 199) were recruited from a tumor hospital in China. The study results indicate that most Chinese nurses (76.4%) perceived sexuality as too private an issue to discuss with cancer patients, and 63.8% assumed that most cancer patients lacked interest in sexuality because of their illnesses. The results also show that most nurses (77.9%) did not make time to discuss sexuality issues with patients, and nearly 70% did not feel confident and comfortable discussing cancer patients' sexuality concerns.

CONCLUSION

Helping nurses overcome barriers to addressing patients' sexuality concerns requires a careful assessment of their attitudes and beliefs. This study added insights into Chinese nurses' attitudes and beliefs surrounding the sexuality issues of cancer patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

In this study, nurses reported that they were less likely to make time to discuss sexuality issues with cancer patients; thus, future research needs to identify specific factors keeping nurses from incorporating sexuality care into practice. Additionally, most nurses felt less confident and uncomfortable in addressing cancer patients' sexuality concerns. More training related to sexuality care is needed for Chinese nurses.

Addressing sexuality issues of women with gynaecological cancer: Chinese nurses' attitudes and practice

AIM

This paper reports a study conducted to describe Chinese nurses' attitudes and practice in addressing the sexuality concerns of people with gynaecological cancer.

BACKGROUND

Women with gynaecological cancer face numerous challenges to their sexuality. The importance of addressing sexuality concerns of people with cancer is emphasized by a growing body of literature in Western countries.

METHODS

This is a descriptive and correlational study. An inventory was adopted to explore Chinese nurses' attitudes and practice related to sexuality care in nursing. Data were collected from December 2009 to February 2010.

RESULTS

A sample of 202 nurses working in gynaecological units in China was recruited. Study results revealed that the majority (77·7%) held the attitude that 'sexuality is too private an issue to discuss with patients'. Only 34·2%'make time to discuss sexual concerns with patients'. Regression analysis revealed that nurse' marital status and hospital type in which they were working influenced their practice in sexuality care. Nurses' conservative attitudes towards sexuality, their prejudices about gynaecological cancer, the lack of availability of private environment, the lack of sexuality care training and the failure to include sexuality care in routine nursing care, were found to be factors that significantly influenced sexual care and nursing practice (adjusted R(2) = 0·542, P < 0·001).

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings contribute to the understanding of Chinese nurses' attitudes and practice in addressing the sexuality concerns of people with gynaecological cancer. There is a need to increase Chinese nurses' awareness of their roles and the importance of equipping themselves with relevant skills in sexuality care in nursing practice.

Developing a self-administered questionnaire as a guide to consultations with women treated for breast cancer

Background. Health professionals, including general practitioners involved in followup of breast cancer patients, need to systematically assess opportunities to offer patients support with ongoing or new problems. Methods. A self-administered needs assessment questionnaire was developed with reference to a multidisciplinary team. Short, evidence-based, readable questions were emphasized, and questions were tested for face validity. The questions flowed across three domains: physical, social, and psychological. Content validity and user friendliness were assessed. Results. A final set of 30 questions was rated as easy to read and comprehend (Flesch Reading Ease score 65.8 and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level 6.9). When piloted with twenty-one patients the self-administered questionnaire detected 121 items of unmet need encompassing all three domains. Conclusions. This self-administered questionnaire has the potential to assist in the holistic assessment of breast cancer patient after treatment. The clinical value of the self-administered questionnaire will need to be further tested before it can be widely adopted.

Assessing gynecologic and breast cancer survivors' sexual health care needs

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to identify patterns of interest in receiving care for sexual concerns among women who were survivors of gynecologic and breast cancers.

METHODS

Survey and medical records data were collected from June 2008 to March 2009 from 261 gynecologic and breast cancer patients. Logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of age and months since treatment on interest in receiving sexual healthcare.

RESULTS

The mean participant age was 55 years (range, 21-88 years). Only 7% of women had recently sought medical help for sexual issues, yet 41.6% were interested in receiving care. Greater than 30% responded that they would be likely to see a physician to address sexual matters, and 35% of all women were willing to be contacted if a formal program was offered. Compared with older women (aged >65 years), younger women (ages 18-47 years) were significantly more likely to report interest in receiving care to address sexual issues (odds ratio [OR], 2.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-7.54) and to see a physician to address sexual matters (OR, 4.51; 95% CI, 1.51-13.43), and they were more willing to be contacted for a formal program (adjusted OR [AOR], 5.00; 95% CI, 1.63-15.28). Compared with women who were currently in treatment, women who last received treatment >12 months previously were significantly more interested in receiving care (AOR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.02-4.01) and were more willing to be contacted (AOR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.18-5.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater than 40% of survivors expressed interest in receiving sexual healthcare, but few had ever sought such care. The current results indicated that there is an unmet need for attention to sexual concerns among women with gynecologic and breast cancers.

An appraisal of the factors influencing human sexuality research in nursing

BACKGROUND

Conducting human sexuality research continues to be a challenge for nurse researchers and may seem daunting to nursing students interested in conducting human sexuality research.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper was to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to appraise the factors that have influenced human sexuality research for nurse researchers.

FINDINGS

Various factors, both intrinsically and extrinsically to the nursing profession, have had an influence on human sexuality studies conducted by nurse researchers.

CONCLUSION

A critical appraisal of the findings from the review of the literature provide implications for nurse researchers as well as students of nursing interested in conducting human sexuality research.