CN37 - Perceptions and attitudes of healthcare providers towards discussing sexuality and sexual problems in cancer patients (from LGBTQ+ backgrounds)

Background

Sexual dysfunction is a consequence of cancer survivorship. Few oncology patients have had a conversation with a HCP about sexuality during or after treatment according to a report by Kom Op Tegen Kanker ( Neefs, 2022 ). This study aims to explore the knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of HCPs towards discussing sexuality with cancer patients, more specifically with LGBTQ+ patients.

Methods

A mixed-method study was conducted. An online questionnaire about attitudes and knowledge towards talking about sexuality with cancer patients was distributed by email among several interprofessional HCPs in March of 2023. The answers were statistically analysed in SPSS using descriptive statistics and Chi². Three focus group interviews were conducted with HCPs working at a University Hospital to explore their perceptions and attitudes towards discussing sexuality and sexual problems with cancer patients, as well as with LGBTQ+ patients. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 259 HCPs working in cancer care in Flanders. Those who had an education on sexual health were positively correlated to knowledge (p≤0.001). There were also correlations (p<0.001) that indicated that HCPs in more specialised functions had more knowledge on the topic and felt more comfortable discussing sexuality with cancer patients. Six themes, for which data saturation was reached, emerged from the focus group interviews: (1) preconditions for discussing sexuality with patients, (2) perceived barriers and (3) facilitators, (4) patients belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, (5) focus points, and (6) recommendations given by HCPs. HCPs reported not having enough knowledge of sexual health and deemed asking about sexual orientation as not important, as LGBTQ+ patients received the same care as the general cancer population.

Conclusions

HCPs have presumptions about patients’ needs, while these might differ from their actual needs. This is especially true in minority groups such as LGBTQ+ patients. There is a need for more education and training among HCPs to facilitate the conversation about sexuality, as well as more research to improve care regarding sexual issues in cancer patients.

Clinical trial identification

ONZ-20230007.

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.