Determinants of Sexual Function among Survivors of Gynaecological Cancers in a Tertiary Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Date
2022
Authors
Obora, Maximillar
Onsongo, Lister
Ogutu, James O
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ecancer Global Foundation
Abstract
Background: Gynaecological cancer impacts approximately three million women globally.
The problem is much more intense in resource-limited countries. Sexual health is a critical aspect of gynaecological cancer treatment and an important component of quality of
life (QoL).
Aims: This study aimed to assess the determinants of sexual function among survivors of
gynaecological cancer.
Method: This was a cross-sectional study. The simple random sampling technique was
used to recruit survivors of gynaecological cancers aged 18 years and above on follow-up
in a tertiary hospital in Kenya.
Tools: The study used the socio-demographic survey, Body Image Scale, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale and Female Sexual Function Index.
Results: Cervical cancer was the most common gynaecological malignancy among respondents (51%). The mean total score of the Female Sexual Function Index was significantly
low at 10.0 (cut off = 26.5). The majority (85%) of respondents had sexual dysfunction.
The most commonly affected sexual domain was lubrication at a mean value of 0.91
(SD = 1.58). Age (aOR = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.003–0.16, p = 0.005), cancer stage 3 (aOR =
9.81, 95% CI: 1.34–20.56, p = 0.035) and social support (aOR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.05–1.59,
p = 0.015) were independent predictors of sexual dysfunction.
Conclusion: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among gynaecological cancer survivors
remains significantly high. Having cervical cancer was the most significant predictor of
sexual dysfunction in this study population.
Recommendation: There is a need for further studies to improve the sexual life and hence
the QoL among survivors of gynaecological malignancies
Description
Article
Keywords
gynaecological cancer, treatment, sexuality, sexual function, sexual dysfunction, quality of life
Citation
Obora, M., Onsongo, L., & Ogutu, J. O. (2022). Determinants of sexual function among survivors of gynaecological cancers in a tertiary hospital: a cross-sectional study. ecancermedicalscience, 16.