QOL-03. PATIENT-PARTNER RELATIONSHIPS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN BRAIN TUMOR PATIENT

Abstract

Abstract As cancer treatment has advanced, quality of life (QoL) has become a significant consideration in patient and survivor care. The 2005 Institute of Medicine Cancer Survivorship Care Planning guide requires the inclusion of information on the possible effects of cancer on relationship satisfaction and sexual functioning associated with QoL. Guided by the cognitive-transactional model of chronic illness, this study explored the extent to which relationship satisfaction and sexual dysfunction was associated with QoL. Thirty patients and their partners were recruited from a neuro-oncology practice and given a QoL questionnaire (FACT-Br) and measures of relationship satisfaction (Couple Satisfaction Index) and sexual functioning. Women were given the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Men were given scales to assess premature ejaculation (PE), and erectile dysfunction (ED). In addition, information about site and type of tumor and treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) was collected. Descriptive statistics as well as T-tests and regression models were used to analyze the data. Relationship satisfaction varied across participants and was significantly related to QoL for patients. There was significant sexual dysfunction as was previously reported by our team. QoL and relationship satisfaction were correlated with sexual dysfunction. Our capacity to address the relationships of patients is dependent on our understanding the types of difficulties encountered. Specifically, partners are often also engaged in the role of primary caregiver, understanding these relationships and how to ensure their health can be critical for QoL and outcomes for brain tumor patients.