Abstract:
Introduction: The effects of oncological treatments on emotional well-being can negatively impact sexual health and intimate relationships. Improvements in cancer management have prolonged patient survival, highlighting the importance of addressing sexual health following diagnosis.
Objectives: To explore physicians' practices regarding the approach to sexual health during oncological consultations, identify barriers to addressing it, and assess the need for training in sexual health.
Methodology: This observational and cross-sectional study evaluated the management of sexual health by physicians involved in cancer treatment through an anonymous questionnaire distributed via SurveyMonkey. A univariate and multivariate analysis of variables such as age, gender, specialty, experience, and level of training was conducted. Univariate comparisons used appropriate statistical tests, establishing a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: Among the 133 surveyed physicians, 61.7% were women, 33.9% were medical oncologists or radiotherapists, and 33.8% were postgraduate students. A total of 31.6% never or rarely addressed sexual health, and 44.4% never or rarely included the patient's partner in the discussion. Additionally, 49.6% indicated that gender does not affect the approach to the topic. Responses regarding which gender is addressed more frequently showed a balance between both genders. Only 10.5% frequently felt prepared on this topic, while 24.8% almost never had adequate tools to address it. Furthermore, 97.7% of oncologists and 92.9% of otolaryngologists recognized the need for training in sexual health. Sexual health was discussed more often among patients diagnosed with prostate, cervical, and breast cancer and less among those with head and neck, bladder, and colorectal tumors. The approach was more frequent among patients treated with curative intent (77.4%) than those treated with palliative intent (5%). The main barriers identified were lack of training (46%), time constraints (39.8%), and patient discomfort (34.6%).
Conclusions: The majority of professionals treating oncology patients do not address sexual health, with lack of training, time constraints, and patient discomfort being the main barriers. However, 92% expressed the need for training in sexual health, which could contribute to early intervention, establish strategies, and timely referrals to specialists in the field.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Understand the current practices and barriers faced by oncology professionals in addressing sexual health.
- Recognize the importance of training in sexual health to improve patient care.
- Apply this knowledge to develop strategies for early intervention and appropriate referrals, enhancing patient quality of life.
- This research provides insights into the gaps in addressing sexual health among cancer patients, highlighting the need for improved training and resources.
- Clinicians can use this information to advocate for better training programs and develop comprehensive care plans that include sexual health.
- The findings can guide the implementation of strategies to overcome barriers, leading to improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
