Abstract 1882P
Background
Loss of Health by understanding means absence of physical, mental, social and spiritual well being. The sexual component is somehow not finding the space in the health as it deserves. In India till date discussing about sexual issues is regarded as a taboo. The barrier is more in the patients belonging to rural areas, lower socioeconomic status. It is regarded as a luxury rather than need. Significant sexual morbidity occurs in majority of cancer patients. Multiple phases of sexuality are impacted. People with cancer often do not talk to their doctors about their sex concerns. This pilot study is designed with an intent to know the occurrence of sexual dysfunction among female patients with solid malignancies.
Methods
It is a prospective cross sectional study conducted in the department of medical oncology at Kidwai Cancer Institute from July 15 2019 to September 15 2019. It is an interview based questionnaire study adapted from BISF-W questionnaire translated into Kannada language. Pre test and post test counselling done with a consent for using the data only for scientific purpose protecting the identity of patient. Female attendants of patients were randomly selected as controls. The results were tabulated as mean score and percentage for each of seven dimensions: D1 (thoughts/desire), D2 (arousal), D3 (frequency), D4 (receptivity/initiation), D5 (pleasure/orgasm), D6 (relationship satisfaction) and D7 (problems affecting sexual function). A composite score based on the formula D1+D2+D3+D4+D5+D6-D7 calculated and compared.
Results
The difference in scores was statistically significant in D1 and D4 domains. The mean score for D1 domain for cases was 3.2 and for controls was 4.46 with a p value of 0.004. The mean score for D4 domain for cases was 6.8 and for controls was 8.56 with a p value of 0.02. The composite score for cases was 21 and for controls was 25.58 with a p value of 0.051 and showed a trend towards significance.
Conclusions
Cancer patients have a significantly Low sexual health compared to healthy peers. Attempts to address the issue from the time of diagnosis can help patients to cope better with the problems and improve their sexual functioning and thereby their quality of life.
Clinical trial identification
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.