P Dalex, L Aerts

(024) Sexual, Psychological, Interpersonal Well-being and (Unmet) Supportive Care Needs of Couples After a Gynaecological Cancer Treatment

  • Urology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
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Abstract Introduction Previous research has shown that gynecological cancer negatively affects the psychological and sexual well-being of patients. However, little is known on the impact of a gynecological cancer on the partner’s sexual, psychological and social function and on the supportive care needs of couples during and after the cancer treatment. Objectives To assess the sexual, psychological and relational functioning of women and their partners after a gynecological cancer treatment and to assess their (unmet) supportive care needs during and after treatment. Methods Patients treated for a gynecological cancer at the [blinded for review] between January 2012 and September 2019 and their partners completed self- reported questionnaires. Participants completed the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory II, the Female Sexual Function Inventory, the International Index of Erectile Function’s, the Sexual Distress Scale’s, the Couple Satisfaction Index’s, and the Dyadic Sexual Communication Scale. In addition, they completed a self-reported questionnaire on (unmet) supportive care needs during and after treatment. Results Sixteen couples participated in the study. Mean age was 59.5 (range 46-72) for women and 63 (range 50-76) for men. The mean duration since treatment was 3 years (range = 1-7).Thirty-eight percent of women and 23% of men reported moderate to high levels of anxiety whereas 18,75% of women and no men suffered from moderate to severe depression. Sixty percent of patients reported a sexual dysfunction and 40% reported significant sexual distress. Eighteen percent of men reported an erectile dysfunction and 33% reported a significant sexual distress. Whereas most couples were satisfied about their relationship, difficulties in sexual communication were expressed by most couples. Receiving psychological support, information and help with the changes in the sexual life were the most widely supported care needs of patients and partners during and after treatment. Although the highest domains of unmet needs during and after treatment for both partners were in the informational, relational and physical domain, more than 50% of couples reported unmet needs in the sexual domain. Conclusions Gynecological cancer and treatment negatively affects the psychological and sexual well-being of both the patient and her partner. Support during and after treatment should take aspects such as psychological and sexual distress and the partner perspective into account. Disclosure No.

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