Sexuality, intimacy, and body image among adolescents and young adults with cancer: a qualitative, explorative study.
AYAs
Adolescents and young adults
Body image
Cancer
Intimacy
Sexual health
Journal
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
ISSN: 1433-7339
Titre abrégé: Support Care Cancer
Pays: Germany
ID NLM: 9302957
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
09 Mar 2024
09 Mar 2024
Historique:
received:
13
10
2023
accepted:
24
02
2024
medline:
9
3
2024
pubmed:
9
3
2024
entrez:
9
3
2024
Statut:
epublish
Résumé
The aim of this study was threefold: (1) to explore Danish adolescents and young adults' (AYAs) thoughts concerning sexual health particularly focusing on sexuality, intimacy, and body image throughout a cancer trajectory, (2) to investigate how AYAs experience healthcare professionals address of- and respond to sexual health issues, and (3) to identify AYAs' suggestions on how to support conversation about sexual health. A qualitative, single-center study was conducted, including AYAs (18-29 years) diagnosed with cancer recruited at the University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted from January-February 2023, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Twelve participants were interviewed, aged 20-29; five were diagnosed with hematological- and seven with oncological cancer. Our analyses yielded three themes: (1) sexuality and body image as part of the identity, (2) excluding relatives in conversations about sexual health, and (3) uncertainty how to discuss sexual health with healthcare professionals. Finally, the AYAs' suggestions to support conversations about sexual health were organized into six thematic categories. In this study, participants experienced altered sexual subsequent impacts on body image and self-esteem during their cancer trajectory. While some adapted to these changes, discussing them with healthcare providers was difficult, especially in the presence of relatives, as the AYAs wanted to shield them from additional concerns. To enhance support, AYAs suggest regular discussions on sexual health and the use of a dialog tool by healthcare professionals.
Identifiants
pubmed: 38460054
doi: 10.1007/s00520-024-08405-6
pii: 10.1007/s00520-024-08405-6
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
219Informations de copyright
© 2024. The Author(s).
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