Title

The Longitudinal Effects Of Cancer Treatment On Sexuality In Individuals With Lung Cancer

Abstract

Purpose/Objectives: To examine changes in sexual functioning during treatment for lung cancer and the extent to which age, gender, social support, and mood status affect sexual dysfunction. Design: Prospective, exploratory. Setting: Outpatient cancer clinic. Sample: 59 of 84 eligible patients diagnosed with small cell or nonsmall cell lung cancer. Methods: The Derogatis Interview for Sexual Function, Self-Report, to measure sexual functioning; the Social Provisions Scale to measure social support; and the Derogatis Affects Balance Scale to measure mood status were administered at diagnosis and at two and four months during treatment. Main Research Variables: Level of sexual function, treatment, age, gender, social support, and mood status. Findings: Results indicate a decrease in sexual function but no significant change in sexual function between the two treatment groups. Age was a significant factor affecting sexual function. Gender significantly affected sexual function at time 2 only. Between times 1 and 2, mood status had a significant relationship with sexual function. Social support did not affect sexual function directly; social support was found to significantly affect mood status. Conclusions: Most patients reported below-normal sexual function at baseline. Sexual function worsened over time. Further research is warranted to examine time, place, and type of intervention needed. Implications for Nursing: New data encourage assessment, intervention, and research related to the sexual function of patients with lung cancer.

Publication Date

1-1-2008

Publication Title

Oncology Nursing Forum

Volume

35

Issue

1

Number of Pages

73-79

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1188/08.ONF.73-79

Socpus ID

38849207059 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/38849207059

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