Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 2012 Sep;33(3):135-42. doi: 10.3109/0167482X.2012.709291.
The current study explored the subjective experiences of women treated for a gynecological cancer, with a focus on filling gaps in the current literature. Topics explored were: (1) women's own definitions of healthy sexuality; (2) services desired to meet needs; and (3) barriers to participation in sexual health-related services.
Fifteen women participated in a one-on-one, semistructured interview. Data collection and analysis were based on guidelines of interpretive description.
Definitions of healthy sexuality included emotional intimacy, body image, sexual self-schema, and sexual response. Unmet sexual needs were reported when women's current sexual experiences did not correspond with their subjective perceptions of healthy sexuality. Most women desired informational services, delivered one-on-one or through written material. Younger women often did not utilize services due to practical barriers and emotional avoidance, while older women reported that shyness and stigma discouraged them from discussing sexuality with their health care team.
In order to understand patient needs and desire for help, health care providers should assess current sexual health and patient perceptions of healthy sexuality. To increase effectiveness of distress screening and treatment interventions, potential barriers must be evaluated and addressed.
本研究探讨了妇科癌症治疗女性的主观体验，重点在于填补当前文献中的空白。探讨的主题包括：（1）女性对健康性行为的自身定义；（2）满足需求的服务；以及（3）参与与性健康相关服务的障碍。
15 名女性参与了一对一的半结构化访谈。数据收集和分析基于解释性描述的准则。
健康性行为的定义包括情感亲密、身体形象、性自我图式和性反应。当女性当前的性体验与她们对健康性行为的主观认知不一致时，就会出现未满足的性需求。大多数女性希望获得信息服务，可以通过一对一的方式或通过书面材料提供。年轻女性由于实际障碍和情感回避，往往不利用这些服务，而年长女性则表示害羞和耻辱感使她们不愿与医疗团队讨论性问题。
为了了解患者的需求和寻求帮助的意愿，医疗保健提供者应评估当前的性健康状况和患者对健康性行为的认知。为了提高困扰筛查和治疗干预的效果，必须评估和解决潜在的障碍。
