Abstract
This study aimed to identify the sexual information requirements and related factors according to gender to improve sexual health in cancer patients. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 687 cancer patients from a single cancer center in Korea completed a self-reported questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to compare the sexual information requirements and related factors among cancer patients. The results showed that male cancer patients had higher demands for sexual information than female cancer patients (t = 27.11, p < 0.001). Men appeared to have a greater need than women in the need for sexual information (t = 30.41, p < 0.001) and professional sexual intervention (t = 21.97, p < 0.001). Regarding sexual information needs, income (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.73) was a significant factor in men. In women, age (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.86), alcohol consumption (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.12–3.16), and chemotherapy (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.12–3.12) were significant factors. Significant differences in the overall sexual information needs and related factors were observed between male and female cancer patients. Therefore, a strategy needs to be established to improve the sexual health of cancer patients considering gender differences.
Highlights
Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide
This study examined the sexual information needs according to gender to improve the sexual health of cancer patients
This study showed that there were some differences between the genders, lesser sexual information needs among the females
Summary
19.3 million new cancer cases and almost 10.0 million cancer deaths occurred in 2020 [1]. In the Republic of Korea, the number of new cases of cancer was 232,255 and the five-year life rate after cancer was less than 50 percent in 1990, though a recent survey showed that the rate was nearly 70 percent [2]. Sexual health does not mean that there is no disease or impairment, but rather a physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality [6]. This is a major concern for cancer patients and is an important determinant of the treatment compliance of cancer patients [7,8]. Practical interventions are needed to improve the sexual health of cancer patients
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