The Relationship between Sexual Function and Mental Health of Females with Breast Cancer

Introduction & Aim: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females and influences various aspects of individual health, psychological and quality of life and sexual function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sexual function and mental health in females with breast cancer. Methods: This study had a cross-sectional design. A sample of 104 females with breast cancer was referred to the Council of Health Donors in Hamedan, during year 2015. To gather the data, the following tools were used, demographic questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Sexual Function Questionnaire (FSFI). Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 21, and descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation test Results: The mean age of the females was 50.02 ± 12.07 years. Given the cut-off point, 81.6% (n = 84) had mental health problems and 85.8% (n = 89) were males with sexual dysfunction. Based on the data, amongst all complications, pain during intercourse had the highest prevalence (90%) while sexual desire (77%) had the lowest prevalence. According to Pearson correlation, all dimensions of sexual function and general health had a direct significant relationship (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Most people with breast cancer experience sexual dysfunction. Given the direct relationship between all aspects of sexual function and mental health of females with breast cancer, knowledge on changes in sexual function of patients with breast cancer is important and necessary