Asian Oncol Nurs.  2015 Sep;15(3):140-148. 10.5388/aon.2015.15.3.140.

A Subjectivity Study on the Sexual Life of Women with Breast Cancer after Mastectomy

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Nursing, Seoul National University BunDang Hospital, Seoul, Korea. hjkim@snubh.org
  • 2Department of Nursing, KyungDong University, Wonju, Korea.

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to explore subjective structure of sexual life of woman with breast cancer after mastectomy and to provide basic data for educational programs and psycho-social support.
METHODS
A Q-methodology which provides a method of analyzing subjectivity was used. 30 selected Q-statements from each of the 30 women for breast cancer treatment were normal distributed using a 9-point scale. Subjectivity of sexuality was analyzed using the PC-QUANL program.
RESULTS
We identified five types of sexuality among the participants. These five types can be called 'sex of misunderstanding', 'sex of breast preference', 'sex of communication', 'only sexual intercourse', 'meaningless sex'.
CONCLUSION
Educational programs or counselling programs that will help the concerned people, including the patients' husbands are needed to address each of the sexual problems identified.

Keyword

Breast Neoplasm; Sexuality; Needs Assessment

MeSH Terms

Breast Neoplasms*
Breast*
Female
Humans
Mastectomy*
Needs Assessment
Sexuality
Spouses

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