Determination of body image and sexual adjustment in women with breast cancer after surgery

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine body image, sexual adjustment and the factors affecting them in women with breast cancer after surgery. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with breast cancer patients admitted to a foundation hospital. Data were collected with the Sexual Adjustment and Body Image Scale, evaluated with t-test, MWU, Kruskall Wallis and correlation analysis. Sexual Adjustment Body Image scale subdimension scores of the patients were 10.81±2.32 for Prior Body Image, 9.69±2.69 for Postbody Image,7.04±1.73 for Prior Sexual Adjustment,7.4±2.34 for Sexual Importance of Breasts and -4.28±2.63 for Impact on Sexual Functioning. A weak positive correlation was found between the patients’ body image scores and their sexual adjustment scores. It was found that having a child significantly affected the Prior and Postbody Image scores. There was a significant difference between Prior Sexual Adjustment scores according to income level. Employment had an effect on the Impact on Sexual Functioning subdimension score and presence of a chronic disease affected the Postbody Image and Prior Sexual Adjustment subdimension scores. Having a chronic disease, having children, being employed, and having poor income affect sexual adjustment and body image in women with breast cancer after surgery.