Perceptions of Chinese Patients Treated for Gynaecological Cancer about Sexual Health and Sexual Information Provided by Healthcare Professionals: A Qualitative Study

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Cancer patients undergoing treatment often experience undesirable symptoms including sexual problems, and are thus in need of high-quality sexual care and information from healthcare professionals on how to deal with sexual issues. In this study, we explored the types of sexual problems experienced by Chinese patients treated for gynaecological cancer, and their perception on how these problems can be addressed, so that strategies can be recommended to healthcare providers on how to augment the current sexual healthcare programmes for these patients. We demonstrated that Chinese patients were dissatisfied with their sexual lives owing to the loss of sexual function, sex drive, and femininity. They wished to receive information from healthcare professionals in which these professionals proactively initiate discussions on addressing sexual problems. Our findings suggested a need to implement programmes involving healthcare professionals from multiple disciplines, to enhance both the sexual and psychological wellbeing of these patients. ABSTRACT: Patients treated for gynaecological cancer (GC) generally experience impaired sexual function. Research on their sexual life experiences and perceptions on the sexuality care they receive is warranted. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of Chinese patients treated for GC regarding the effects of cancer treatment on their sexual function and femininity, their relationships with their partners, and the adequacy of the sexual information received from healthcare professionals during treatment. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 Chinese patients treated for GC, collecting data on their perceptions regarding the effects of cancer treatment on their sexual lives, femininity, and relationships with partners; and their views about the quality of sexuality care received. Data were analysed using content analysis. Participants experienced impaired sexual function, reduced sex drive, and expressed dissatisfaction with their sex lives. They perceived a loss of femininity and poor body image. They desired more information about how to address sexual problems and opted to receive this information from female healthcare professionals in individual counselling sessions during which the professionals could initiate such discussions. Overall, Chinese patients treated for GC have concerns about multiple sexual issues and a strong desire for information about strategies to address these issues. Nurse-led interventions should be implemented via a shared care approach to enhance patients’ awareness about managing their sexual and psychological symptoms.