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Sexual functioning among young adult cancer patients: A 2‐year longitudinal study
Author(s) -
Acquati Chiara,
Zebrack Brad J.,
Faul Anna C.,
Embry Leanne,
Aguilar Christine,
Block Rebecca,
HayesLattin Brandon,
Freyer David R.,
Cole Steve
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.31030
Subject(s) - medicine , psychosocial , young adult , sexual dysfunction , longitudinal study , cancer , distress , clinical psychology , psychiatry , gerontology , pathology
BACKGROUND Cancer‐related sexual dysfunction has been reported among adolescents and young adults (AYAs); however, its prevalence over time has not been examined. This longitudinal study investigated sexual dysfunction in AYAs over the course of 2 years after the initial diagnosis. METHODS Young adult patients (18‐39 years old) completed the Medical Outcomes Study Sexual Functioning Scale within the first 4 months of their diagnosis (n = 123) and again 6 (n = 107) and 24 months later (n = 95). An ordered multinomial response model analyzed changes in the probability of reporting sexual dysfunction over time and the independent effects of demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables. RESULTS More than half of the participants reported sexual functioning to be problematic at each assessment. The probability of reporting sexual dysfunction increased over time ( P < .01) and was greater for cancer patients who were female ( P < .001), older ( P < .01), married or in a committed relationship ( P < .001), treated with chemotherapy ( P < .05), and reporting comorbid psychological distress ( P < .001) and lower social support ( P < .05). For women, being in a relationship increased the likelihood of reporting sexual problems over time; for men, the likelihood of reporting sexual problems increased regardless of their relationship status. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of young adults report ongoing problems with sexual functioning in the first 2 years after their cancer diagnosis. These findings justify the need to evaluate and monitor sexual functioning throughout a continuum of care. Cancer 2018;124:398‐405 . © 2017 American Cancer Society .