Effects of some characteristics of gynecological cancer diagnosis and treatment on women's sexual life quality.

Abstract

Gynecological cancers can cause changes in women's sexual life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting sexual quality of life (SQoL) of women with gynecological cancer. A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used. The study was conducted on 276 women with gynecological cancers in Turkey. Information form and SQoL scale was used in the study. The data were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U-test and Kruskal-Wallis test. The SQoL mean score was 68.83 ± 21.17. There was no significant difference in the SQoL mean score according to the individual/sociodemographic characteristics or gynecological cancer-related characteristics. However, it was found that the difference was due to higher SQoL score in the group with a diagnosis time of 25 months and above (KW (Χ2) = 6.356, P = 0.046). The reason for significant difference in the SQoL mean score according to diagnosis over time might be that women adapted to cancer diagnosis. For this reason, the SQoL of women with a diagnosis time of < 25 months should be assessed and these women should be supported.