title: Sexual well-being among survivors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe sexual well-being among non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) survivors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  NHL survivors identified via the Los Angeles County Cancer Surveillance Program.
  
  
  METHODS
  222 NHL survivors two- to five-years postdiagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected via mailed questionnaire. Multivariate models were used to examine sexual well-being.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three indices of sexual well-being were examined in relation to sociodemographic and medical variables: participation in sexual activity, satisfaction with sex life, and sexual function.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most NHL survivors were participating in sexual activity; however, more than half were dissatisfied with their sex life. A substantial minority "usually or always" experienced problems with sexual function. Associations between study variables and outcomes differed across indices of sexual well-being and by gender; older age was associated with decreased participation, decreased satisfaction, and impaired sexual function for men as well as with decreased participation for women. Poorer physical functioning was associated with decreased participation for men and women as well as poorer sexual function for women. Finally, poorer mental functioning was associated with less satisfaction and poorer sexual function for men and women; shorter times since diagnosis were associated with poorer sexual function for women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most NHL survivors were sexually active, but many reported difficulties with satisfaction and function. Sexual well-being is a multifaceted construct that requires continued attention throughout survivorship.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oncology nurses are in an excellent position to ensure that survivors' sexual concerns are addressed. Survivorship care plans may help to facilitate communication about survivors' sexual well-being.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. beckjorde@upmc.edu
authors.forename: Ellen Burke
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Beckjord
authors.forename: Neeraj K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Arora
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bellizzi
authors.forename: Ann S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Hamilton
authors.forename: Julia H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Rowland
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data