Sexual Behavior and Sexual Satisfaction according to Gender in Korean Patients with Cancer.

PURPOSE

This study was done to investigate sexual behavior and sexual satisfaction according to gender difference in Korean patients with cancer.

METHODS

In this study, a convenience sample of Korean patients with cancer who visited hospitals in J City was used. Data were collected between September and December 2012using structured questionnaires: Sexual frequency scale and General sexual satisfaction index (GSSI).

RESULTS

Over half of the patients reported loss of sexual desire and changes in sexual behaviors. There was a significant decrease in sexual satisfaction among the male patients, compared to the female patients (t=2.34, p=.020). There were significant correlations between sexual satisfaction and sexual behaviors (male patients r=.45, p<.001; female patients r=.59, p<.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrate the need to take gender into account in developing interventions for patients with cancer. These results will also contribute to the development of improved interventions for sexual health care.