The influence of an androgen deprivation therapy educational program on dyadic quality and intimacy for prostate cancer patients and their partners.

Abstract

178 Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a common treatment for advanced prostate cancer (PCa), but ADT typically impairs men’s sexual function and couples’ relationships. We offer an educational program to help PCa patients and their partners manage ADT related side effects and to maintain a strong dyadic relationship while the patient is on ADT. Methods: Patients and partners attended a one time 1.5 hour ADT Class. Patients received a copy of the book Androgen Deprivation Therapy: An essential guide for men with prostate cancer and their partners (DEMOS Health, NY), which covers how to manage ADT side effects and make healthy lifestyle changes. We emphasize the importance of physical exercise in preventing or reducing many of the side effects of ADT. 79 couples (patients = 68.8±7.5 years old, partners = 64.9±8.8 years old; relationship duration = 34.6±16.4 years) completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships, and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise questionnaires at baseline and again 2-3 months later to assess their relational intimacy and dyadic quality. At baseline 73% of patients either had not started or been on ADT for < 3 weeks. Results: Attending the ADT Educational Program was associated with improved dyadic adjustment and relational intimacy but age, relationship duration, baseline strain in the relationship and physical exercise all influence these effects. Specifically, dyadic cohesion improved in patients ≥68 years old. Recreational intimacy increased in patients ≤60 years old and for those in a relationship ≥50 years. Recreational intimacy also improved in partners who had been in a 20-49 years relationship or those reporting at baseline little strain in their relationship. Dyadic cohesion was maintained in participants who increased their frequency of physical exercise. For the above results, all P < 0.05. Conclusions: The ADT Educational Program improves dyadic cohesion and relational intimacy for some patients and partners but age, relationship duration, baseline quality of the relationship, and physical exercise frequency appear to influence the effectiveness of the program.