Filling in the gaps: Sociodemographic and medical predictors of sexual health and other supportive care needs, and desire for help in gynecological cancer survivors

Megan McCallum, Lynne Jolicoeur, Monique Lefebvre, Lyzon K. Babchishin, Tien Le, Sophie Lebel

Abstract


Purpose: The goal of the present study was to evaluate predictors of unmet supportive care needs and readiness for help among gyneco- logical cancer patients.

Methods: A sample of 113 gynecological cancer survivors completed a measure of needs and desire for help. Regression analyses identi- ed sociodemographic and medical predictors of patient needs and desire for help.

Results: Younger age and shorter time since treatment were the stron- gest predictors of many unmet needs. Younger age and chemotherapy predicted greater unmet sexual health needs. Shorter time since treat- ment predicted readiness for help with informational needs.

Conclusions: Post-treatment unmet needs are diverse and may be greater in younger and recently treated survivors. Chemotherapy treatment may contribute to greater sexual health needs. 


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References


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