Comparisons of Quality of Life, Sexual Function, and Depression in Sexually Active or Inactive Groups of Women with Mastectomy

유방암 생존자의 삶의 질, 성기능 및 우울: 성생활 집단과 비성생활 집단 간의 비교

Purpose: This study was to compare quality of life, sexual function, and depression between a group with sexually active women and the other with sexually inactive women who undertaken mastectomy. Methods: Participants were 106 breast cancer patients who had spouse and participated in self-help group in Gwangju, Korea. The questionnaires were consisted of Quality of Life Index-Cancer Version (Q.L.I.-C), self-rating depression scale, and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Data were analyzed using the SPSS Win 14.0 K+ for descriptive statistics, t-test, ANCOVA, and MANOVA. Results: There were no homogeneity at age, job, educational years between sexually active vs. inactive groups. In sexually active group, mean age was 46.1, having job 34.5%, bachelor's degree 38.2%, and pre-menopause 79.2%; for the inactive group 49.6, 10.4%, 12.5%, and 52.7% seperately. There were significant differences in quality of life, sexual function, and depression between two groups when four covariates were controlled. The quality of life and sexual function in sexually active group were significantly higher than inactive group(p<0.001). The depression in sexually active group was significantly lower than inactive group(p<0.001). Conclusion: This study indicates that nurses are needed to counsel and intervene psychosexual approach especially sexually inactive women with breast cancer during the recovery period.