The Benefit of a Couple-Based Intervention Among Women in Active Cancer Treatment on Sexual Concerns

Abstract

Background Sexuality-related problems are common in women with cancer, threatening their sexual well-being and intimate relationships. Evidence-based interventions addressing the full range of sexual concerns among women in active cancer treatment are scarce. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of a novel couple-based intervention focusing on sexual concerns among women undergoing cancer treatment, including a subgroup of women with breast cancer. A secondary aim was to assess changes in illness intrusiveness in daily life. Methods A quasi-experimental single-group pre-post follow-up design was used. The study was initially planned as a randomized controlled trial with waitlist control group receiving delayed intervention. However, substantial differences were observed in clinical and demographic variables between the treatment group and control group, resulting in using a single-group pre-post follow-up design. The intervention consists of 3 advanced nurse-led, face-to-face couple-based sessions supported by access to web-based information. Results Women in active cancer treatment participated in the study (n = 60) together with their partners (n = 60). The main results showed significant differences between time points in the outcome measures for concerns related to the sexual adverse effects of cancer treatment (T1 vs T2, and T2 vs T3), sexual concerns related to the women’s partners (T1 vs T2), and for concerns related to communication with healthcare providers about sexuality-related issues (T1 vs T2). No significant changes were found over time with respect to illness interference on the intimacy or instrumental subscales. Conclusions The results demonstrated that the approach of 3 couple-based therapeutic conversations is beneficial in reducing sexual concerns among women in active cancer treatment. Implications for Practice Advanced nurse practitioners can develop and offer brief psychoeducational support that is helpful in reducing sexual concerns among women in active cancer treatment.

Investigation of the Effect of Sexual Attitudes and Attachment Styles of Spouses of Cancer Patients on Their Psychological Resilience

“…Undoubtedly, sexuality and satisfaction, which differ for each period, can become more difficult between spouses during cancer because the patient always tends to push sexuality into the background during this stressful and complex process. In such a situation, having sexual feelings toward the partner may cause a feeling of guilt in the spouse while his or her partner is trying to cope with the problems related with disease (Canzona et al, 2019; Jonsdottir et al, 2021a; Jonsdottir et al, 2021b). However, both dissatisfaction with sexual intercourse and moral concerns such as the sense of guilt can negatively affect the psychosexual balance, relations with the spouse, and resilience after a while (Canzona et al, 2019).…”

“…Empirical evidence shows that sexuality is related to the relationship between spouses and psychological resilience (Jonsdottir et al, 2021a; Jonsdottir et al, 2021b; Reese et al, 2020). In a recent qualitative study conducted with 16 female cancer patients, attention was drawn to the fact that the connection between spouses decreased because of cancer; especially, the husbands wanted to maintain sexuality, and they had unpleasant sexual experiences (Mofrad et al, 2021).…”