Psychosexual development, sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction in long‐term childhood cancer survivors: DCCSS‐LATER 2 sexuality substudy
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Childhood cancer may negatively impact childhood cancer survivors' (CCS) sexuality. However, this is an understudied research area. We aimed to describe the psychosexual development, sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction of CCS, and identify determinants for these outcomes. Secondarily, we compared the outcomes of a subsample of emerging adult CCS to the Dutch general population. METHODS: From the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study LATER cohort (diagnosed 1963-2001), 1912 CCS (18-71 years, 50.8% male) completed questions on sexuality, psychosocial development, body perception, mental and physical health. Multivariable linear regressions were used to identify determinants. Sexuality of CCS age 18-24 (N = 243) was compared to same-aged references using binomial tests and t-tests. RESULTS: One third of all CCS reported hindered sexuality due to childhood cancer, with insecure body the most often reported reason (44.8%). Older age at study, lower education, surviving central nervous system cancer, poorer mental health and negative body perception were identified as determinants for later sexual debut, worse sexual functioning and/or sexual satisfaction. CCS age 18-24 showed significantly less experience with kissing (p = 0.014), petting under clothes (p = 0.002), oral (p = 0.016) and anal sex (p = 0.032) when compared to references. No significant differences with references were found for sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction, neither among female CCS nor male CCS age 18-24. CONCLUSIONS: Emerging adult CCS reported less experience with psychosexual development, but similar sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction compared to references. We identified determinants for sexuality, which could be integrated in clinical interventions for CCS at risk for reduced sexuality.
Source: Psycho-Oncology
DOI: 10.1002/pon.6181
Authors: Cristina Priboi, Marloes van Gorp, Heleen Maurice‐Stam, Gisela Michel, Leontien C. M. Kremer, Wim J. E. Tissing, Jacqueline J. Loonen, Helena J. H. van der Pal, Andrica C. H. de Vries, Marry M. van den Heuvel‐Eibrink, Cécile M. Ronckers, Dorine Bresters, Marloes Louwerens, Sebastian J. C. C. M. Neggers, Margriet van der Heiden‐van der Loo, Eline van Dulmen‐den Broeder, Martha Grootenhuis
Institutions: University of Lucerne, Princess Máxima Center, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Radboud University Medical Center, Erasmus MC, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children’s Hospital, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Leiden University Medical Center, Willem-Alexander Kinderziekenhuis, Amsterdam Reproduction Development
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,940
Funder: Stichting Kinderen Kankervrij
OpenAlex ID: W4382181823