Handling Sexuality Concerns in Women with Gynecological Cancer: Egyptian Nurse's Knowledge and Attitudes

Abstract

Sexuality is an important part of normal human functioning. Gynecological cancer diagnosis and treatment has devastating effect on Sexual issues. Study aim was to investigate Oncology Nurses knowledge and attitudes in Relation to Provision of Sexual Health Care to Women Diagnosed with Gynecological Cancer. The study setting was conducted at oncology center, at Mansoura University Hospitals after obtaining hospital director approval. A Subject was consisted of 72 nurses who worked in gynecological oncology department. Tools: four tools were used by the researchers to collect pertinent data consisted of 1^st The Self Administered Structured Schedule, 2^nd tool, Sexual Health Care Scale–Attitude, 3^rd tool, Facilitators about Sexuality Issue Discussion in nursing practice and 4^th tool, Barriers about Sexuality Issue Discussion in Nursing Practice. Results revealed that 100% of nurses were having poor knowledge score regarding sexual health care with mean score 7.3 ±2.5. There was statistically significant relation between knowledge score and discomfort in providing sexual health care and Afraid of college’s negative response (P< 0.05). While there were no statistical significant relation between knowledge score and Feeling uncertain about patient’s acceptance and Lack of environmental support (P> 0.05). Majority of nurses reported that limited resources, patient embarrassment, staff shortages, patients having more things to be concerned about than having sex, inadequate education preparation, are the most important barriers to provide health sexual education. Provisions of relevant training, availability of private environment, having good nurse patient relationship, good communication are factors which facilitate provision of sexual health care. Conclusion oncology nurses have poor knowledge score and decrease feeling of discomfort domain was the most representative nurses attitude in provision of sexual health care, there are many of issues act as barriers and facilitators affecting nurses for providing sexual health care. Recommendations It is important  to put sexual health education into the curriculum of nursing, in order to assess the sexual health of patients within the health care system, continuing education activities and availability of education materials could assist nurses to adequately address sexual concerns while caring for patients with cancer and More research is needed on training of the nurses to overcome the barriers and guidelines or procedures in place for dealing with sexuality-related issues with patients.

Key words: Sexuality Concerns, Gynecological Cancer, Egyptian Nurses, Knowledge, Attitudes