title: Conceptualizing sexual health in cancer care.
abstract: This qualitative study was designed to describe women's experiences with changes in sexual function related to physical comfort, sexual satisfaction, and feelings of intimacy post-treatment for gynecological cancer. The 17 women who participated in this study described sexuality as a much broader construct. Contrary to existing literature, sexual functioning was found to be one aspect that contributed to the view of the self as a sexual being, but the women's perceptions were not limited to this single dimension. The identification of multidimensional components to be considered in developing a conceptual model to describe sexual health are presented. This study indicates that sexuality should be viewed as a health issue that has an impact on quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Banfield
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sveinson
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Allen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*