Jian-Tao Lee
Chang Gung University, Taiwan
Title: Sexual knowledge and sexual attitudes in women after gynecological cancer treatment
Biography
Biography: Jian-Tao Lee
Abstract
Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that women treated for gynecological cancer experience long-term sexual problems. Although several studies have described physical sexual dysfunction among gynecological cancer survivors, there is a relative dearth of research related to sexual knowledge, sexual attitudes and related factors treated for this disease. Purpose: This study explores sexual knowledge, sexual attitudes and related factors of Taiwanese women who have undergone gynecological cancer therapy. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, the authors sampled 139 women with gynecologic cancer from gynecologic cancer outpatient service of a medical center in northern Taiwan. The authors gathered data on sexual knowledge, sexual attitudes toward sexuality with gynecological cancer and background information using a self-report, structured questionnaire, and were analyzed using the one way ANOVA, t Test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression. Results: 1. Women after treatment for gynecological oncology showed insufficient sexual knowledge, particularly management of sexual problems, sexual well-being effects after oncology treatment. 2. Women after treatment for gynecological oncology showed positive attitudes regarding sex while negative ones are revealed in sex repulsive after treatment, worse sex lives after treatment, and influence on sexual relationship after treatment. 3. There was a positive correlation between sexual knowledge and sexual attitudes. 4. Women with younger, higher educational level, more sexual activities and having previous sex health education, would have higher sexual knowledge and sexual attitudes. Conclusions / Implications for Practice: Study findings can help healthcare professionals understand and educate patients about the potential sexual health implications of gynecological cancer treatment. Healthcare professionals can focus particular attention on patients who are lower educational level, older, or without previous sex health education.