[Factors Influencing Oncofertility in Gynecological Cancer Patients: Application of Mixed Methods Study].

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify factors influencing oncofertility and to explore the oncofertility experiences of patients with gynecological cancer using quantitative and qualitative methods, respectively.

METHODS

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted. The quantitative study involved 222 patients with gynecological cancer recruited from online cafes and hospitals. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28. For qualitative research, eight patients with gynecological cancer were interviewed. Data were analyzed using theme analysis method.

RESULTS

Oncofertility performance was quantitatively assessed in 40 patients (18.0%). Factors that significantly affected oncofertility were fertility preservation awareness (odds ratio [OR] = 14.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.2253.08), number of children planned before cancer diagnosis (OR = 6.08, 95% CI: 1.8919.62; OR = 5.04, 95% CI: 1.5616.29), monthly income (OR= 3.29, 95% CI: 1.238.86), social support (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.011.17), and anxiety (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.660.95). Qualitative results showed three theme clusters and eight themes: (1) themes for determinant factors affecting oncofertility selection: 'desire to have children' and 'special meaning of the uterus and ovaries;' (2) themes for obstructive factors affecting oncofertility selection: 'fertility preservation fall behind priorities,' 'confusion caused by inaccurate information,' and 'my choice was not supported;' (3) themes for support factors affecting oncofertility selection: 'provide accurate and reasonable information about oncofertility,' 'addressing the healthcare gap,' and 'need financial support for oncofertility.'

CONCLUSION

Financial support, sufficient information, social support, and anxiety-relief interventions are required for oncofertility in patients with gynecological cancer.