Quality of Life and Sexual Activity among a Group of Iranian Cervical Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery or Radiotherapy

Abstract

Background: This is a case-control study aimed at investigating the predictors of sexual function, depression levels, and quality of life in cervical cancer patients. Methods: The study enrolled women aged 18 years and older who were at least six months post cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment in a single institution and underwent surgery or radiotherapy. The control group was selected from women referred for routine gynecologic screening. The study excluded women who had a history of sexual trauma and mental disorders, any general health problems, and therapy potentially affecting sexual life, such as hormonal therapies other than contraception. Demographic and clinical data of all participants were gathered, and all participants were asked to respond to two questionnaires: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-item Short Form health survey (SF-12) in a face-to-face interview. The study analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and comparison of demographics, clinical data, tumor and surgical characteristics. Linear regression tests were used to predict numerical outcomes, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study concluded that there were no baseline characteristics identified to have statistically significant differences among study groups, and all three groups had similar distributions of socioeconomic and demographic variables. Conclusion: This study showed that cervical cancer and route of treatment may affect the patients’ quality of life and sexual health. Health care systems and health care providers may screen these patients and take early actions to prevent more morbidities.