Sexuality After Treatment of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: Patients' Experiences and Psychometric Testing of the Sexual Adjustment Questionnaire-Swedish Version II.

BACKGROUND

Sexuality is an important part of health-related quality of life. To ensure adequate supportive interventions, valid and reliable instruments specific to sexual changes and adjustments after cancer treatment are needed.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to test the psychometric properties of the Sexual Adjustment Questionnaire-Swedish version II (SAQ-SII) in patients treated for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and to describe and explore patients' experiences of sexuality after treatment.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019, using SAQ-SII and data from the National Quality Registry for Leukemia-subregistry for Lymphoma, which included 257 patients (25% response rate). An exploratory factor analysis was performed for psychometric evaluation. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's α. Independent t tests, analysis of variance, and multiple regression were used to describe patients' experiences of sexuality.

RESULTS

The exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 4-factor structure, explaining 65.7% of the total scale variance (SAQ-SII). The Cronbach's α for the SAQ-SII was 0.88 and varied between 0.70 and 0.89 across subscales. Sexuality was affected in various ways and extent. Sexual Interest was most affected, whereas Sexual Function was least affected. Being male, of younger age, without comorbidities, and in a relationship were associated to a higher Sexual Interest.

CONCLUSIONS

The SAQ-SII is a valid and reliable instrument to measure changes and adjustments in sexuality in patients treated for lymphoma.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Assessments of sexuality in a broad sense should be an integrated part of cancer care to ensure timely interventions for those who need and want support.