Sexual experience, psychological implications, and typical response strategies among childhood cancer survivors with sexual dysfunction in China : a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunction is a well-documented long-term side effect of pediatric cancer treatment, which significantly impacts the overall health of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). There is a relative lack of qualitative research on sexual dysfunction among CCSs. Aim: This study aimed to explore sexual experience, psychological factors, and typical response strategies among CCSs with sexual dysfunction in China. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study employing semi-structured interviews was conducted. Based on purposive sampling and data saturation principles, CCSs with sexual dysfunction from the previous cross-sectional study were selected for semi-structured interviews. Data relevant to the research question was analyzed and coded using thematic analysis. Results: 15 female and 15 male survivors provided written-informed consent and were interviewed in this study. Four core themes were identified, including: common sexual problems, psychological factors associated with sexual dysfunction and their related pathways, and coping strategies for sexual and psychological challenges. These themes were further categorized into 15 sub-themes. Clinical implications: The findings of this study are expected for health professionals to develop a culturally specific intervention to improve the sexual function in childhood cancer survivors. Strengths & Limitations: To our knowledge, this qualitative study is the first to provide in-depth exploration on the sexual experience, how the identified psychological factors led to sexual dysfunction, and the coping strategies for sexual dysfunction in Chinese childhood cancer survivors. However, the findings may not be fully generalizable to older cancer survivors, and conducting interviews online may have influenced the richness of the data collected. Conclusions: The present findings contribute to our understanding of sexual experience, psychological factors, and coping strategies to sexual problems among CCSs. The findings indicate that psychology is a significant factor for CCSs with sexual dysfunction and identify the mediating role of attention and self-compassion. Future research should develop an appropriate intervention based on the underlying psychological mechanisms of sexual dysfunction to improve the overall sexual function in CCSs.