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Sexuality and romantic relationships in young adult cancer survivors: satisfaction and supportive care needs
Author(s) -
Geue Kristina,
Schmidt Ricarda,
Sender Annekathrin,
Sauter Siegfried,
Friedrich Michael
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.3805
Subject(s) - human sexuality , feeling , sexual intercourse , clinical psychology , medicine , quality of life (healthcare) , young adult , cross sectional study , psychology , romance , sexual function , fertility , gerontology , nursing , social psychology , population , environmental health , pathology , sociology , psychoanalysis , gender studies
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. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.