Women with gynaecological cancer awaiting radiotherapy: Self-reported wellbeing, general psychological distress, symptom distress, sexual function, and supportive care needs
- Author(s)
- Gough, K; Bergin, RJ; Drosdowsky, A; Aranda, S; Mileshkin, L; Jackson, M; Kinnane, N; Bernshaw, D; Juraskova, I; White, K; Mohamed, M; Schofield, P;
- Details
- Publication Year 2022-10,Volume 167,Issue #1,Page 42-50
- Journal Title
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Publication Type
- Research article
- Abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To better serve women with gynaecological cancers, we need a sound understanding of their health, wellbeing and needs. This study sought to explore these issues in a sample of Australian women before commencing curative radiotherapy. METHODS: We undertook a secondary analysis of baseline data from a supportive care trial (n = 311). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise responses to measures of wellbeing, general psychological distress, symptom distress, sexual function and vaginal changes, and supportive care needs. Pre-specified regression models were used to examine sources of variation in wellbeing and sexual function. RESULTS: Women reported lower emotional, functional and physical wellbeing than population norms (all p < 0.001). The prevalence of general psychological distress was 31% (95% CI 26-36%). Distress caused by physical symptoms was typically low. Health system and information needs comprised eight of the top ten moderate-to-high supportive care needs. Most women reported no change in interest for physical contact or sex compared to pre-diagnosis, but some sexually active women (16-24%) reported smaller vaginal size, increased dryness, and more pain on intercourse. General psychological distress was a robust marker of poorer wellbeing and sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: Before radiotherapy, a substantial minority of women with gynaecological cancers experience general psychological distress, reduced wellbeing and moderate-to-high health system and information needs. A model of comprehensive care incorporating assessment of unmet needs, general psychological distress, and sexual issues is recommended. Healthcare providers may require training to elicit and respond to a constellation of interrelated issues and access relevant services for women requiring additional support.
- Keywords
- Australia/epidemiology; Female; *Genital Neoplasms, Female/psychology/radiotherapy; Humans; Prevalence; *Psychological Distress; Quality of Life/psychology; Self Report; Stress, Psychological/epidemiology/etiology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Gynaecological cancer; Psychological morbidity; Quality of life; Radiotherapy; Sexual function; Symptoms
- Department(s)
- Health Services Research; Medical Oncology; Radiation Oncology
- PubMed ID
- 36064679
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.08.008
- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2024-10-31 04:55:15
Last Modified: 2024-10-31 04:56:11