Sexual function in women after cervical cancer treatment at an academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa
Date
2016-11-03
Authors
Fakunle, Imoleayo Elizabeth
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Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is treated in various ways depending on the stage of the
disease. The International Atomic Energy Agency guides the management of cervical cancer
in resource limited countries. Due to advancement in the existing treatment modalities, a
higher survivorship rate occurs in women who receive treatment. However, evidence states
that cervical treatment has pronounced effects on sexual functioning which persists for long
periods after treatment.
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the sexual function in women after
completion of treatment at an academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Methods: A cross sectional design was used in the study. The sampling method was
convenience and used a calculated sample size of 147 (n =147). Structured interviews
collected the data and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) served as data collection
instrument. Kruskal Wallis tests were used to determine statistical significant difference
between variables.
Results: The majority of the women (94.6%; n=139) experienced sexual dysfunction which
persisted over time. The most affected domains in sexual function were arousal and desire,
while satisfaction was the least affected domain. Pain experienced during sexual activity
after treatment persisted as time progressed.
Conclusion: The majority of women treated for cervical cancer at an academic hospital in
the Gauteng Province live with long lasting sexual dysfunction affecting all the domains of
their sexual function. Although sexual dysfunction reached the highest level in the third
month after treatment, there was little improvement over time. Age, educational level and
sexual counselling before treatment did not influence sexual function.
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the
Witwatersrand, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
of
Master of Science in Nursing
Johannesburg, 2016