The longitudinal effects of cancer treatment on sexuality in individuals with lung cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To examine changes in sexual functioning during treatment for lung cancer and the extent to which age, gender, social support, and mood status affect sexual dysfunction.


METHODS
Prospective, exploratory.


METHODS
Outpatient cancer clinic.


METHODS
59 of 84 eligible patients diagnosed with small cell or non-small cell lung cancer.


METHODS
The Derogatis Interview for Sexual Function, Self-Report, to measure sexual functioning; the Social Provisions Scale to measure social support; and the Derogatis Affects Balance Scale to measure mood status were administered at diagnosis and at two and four months during treatment.


METHODS
Level of sexual function, treatment, age, gender, social support, and mood status.


RESULTS
Results indicate a decrease in sexual function but no significant change in sexual function between the two treatment groups. Age was a significant factor affecting sexual function. Gender significantly affected sexual function at time 2 only. Between times 1 and 2, mood status had a significant relationship with sexual function. Social support did not affect sexual function directly; social support was found to significantly affect mood status.


CONCLUSIONS
Most patients reported below-normal sexual function at baseline. Sexual function worsened over time. Further research is warranted to examine time, place, and type of intervention needed.


CONCLUSIONS
New data encourage assessment, intervention, and research related to the sexual function of patients with lung cancer.
Shell
Judith A
JA
Osceola Cancer Center, Kissimmee, FL, USA. shelljashell@aol.com
Carolan
Marsha
M
Zhang
Ying
Y
Meneses
Karen Dow
KD
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D019529:Sexuality; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States