الفهرس 
Introduction and aim of the studyOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 178 |  |  |
| | | from | 178 | | |
Abstract
Sexuality is a complex characteristic that involves the physical, psychological, interpersonal, and behavioral aspects of a person. Many types of cancer and chemotherapy can cause sexual dysfunction. Research shows that approximately one-half of women who have been treated for breast and gynecologic cancers experience long-term sexual dysfunction; the causes of sexual dysfunction are often both physical and psychological.
The most common sexual problems for women who have cancer are loss of desire for sexual activity, a change in genital sensations due to pain, loss of sensation and numbness, or decreased ability to reach orgasm. Unlike many other physical side effects of cancer treatment, sexual problems may not resolve within the first year or two of disease-free survival and can interfere with the return to a normal life. Patients with cancer should discuss their concerns about sexual problems with a health care professional.
The oncology nurse plays an important role in improving the sexual health of women with cancer. Making sexual health a part of a routine assessment can help to eliminate fears, improve patient’s level of comfort and provide an environment for further discussion.
The aim of the study was to assess the influence of chemotherapy on women’s sexuality.
The study was conducted at Radiation Oncology & Nuclear Medicine Center - Ain Shams University. A descriptive study design was used. The subjects for the study were include (106) women who have a cancer diagnosis and received chemotherapy with inclusion criteria based on number of cases at this setting and according to power analysis.
The data in this study was collected by using two tools:
I. Structured interviewing questionnaire sheet.
II. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
The main results of this study revealed that:
1. More than half of the sample (53.8%) was at age categories (36-45), more than half of them (51.9%) had high education, nearly to three quarter of them (71.7%) were living in urban, and nearly to three quarter of them (74.5%) were house wife.
2. Nearly to half of the sample (39.6%) had breast cancer, and nearly to half of them (45.3%) underwent chemotherapy for more than 6months.
3. More than half of the sample (51.9%) received care from her husband, more than half of them (64.2%) received emotional support from husband, and nearly to three-quarters of them (68.9%) not had sex.
4. The majority of the sample had sexual dysfunction (sexual desire, sexual arousal, sexual orgasm, sexual lubrication, sexual satisfaction, and sexual pain) related to chemotherapy.
5. Chemotherapy duration had a negative effect on female sexual function.
Conclusion:
Chemotherapy affects the female sexual functions (desire, lubrication, satisfaction, orgasm, arousal and pain).
Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are suggested:
• Developing a training program, booklets, and guidelines for nurses in oncology units regarding caring of sexual health of women under chemotherapy for continuous updating their knowledge.
• Establish a counseling area supported with nursing protocol in oncology units.
• Further researches regarding impact of chemotherapy on women’s sexuality on large sample in order to generalize the results.