Physician perspectives on discussions around the sexual health and function of gynecologic cancer patients

Abstract

Objectives: The primary study objective was to determine the proportion of oncology physicians treating gynecologic oncology patients screening for sexual health concerns among patients with gynecologic malignancies. The secondary objective was to describe these physicians’ perspectives on their role in evaluating sexual health concerns and barriers to managing sexual health in a gynecologic oncology office, by training level and gender. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, quantitative, 23-item survey based on a previously validated questionnaire. It was administered across the United States to physicians (attendings and fellows) treating gynecologic oncology patients using the Society of Gynecologic Oncology database. Results: There was a 10.2 % response rate with 166/1621 physicians completing the survey. Thirty-four (23.1 %) were fellow trainees and 113 (77.0 %) were attendings. Most participants were gynecologic oncologists (155/166, 93.4 %), with radiation oncologists (1/166, 0.6 %), and other physicians (10/166, 6.0 %) also responding. The majority (137/166, 82.0 %) identified as female providers and (29/166, 17.4 %) identified as male. Just over half (99/166, 59.6 %) of providers routinely asked about sexual health concerns of their patients. Attendings more often discussed sexual health with patients when compared to fellows when controlling for academic setting and gender (OR 2.8, 95 % CI 1.6–4.1, p < 0.01). Most providers (117/166, 70.5 %) felt they needed to improve their knowledge on sexual function. Conclusions: Of the limited physicians surveyed, almost all feel sexual health should be discussed with their patients. Only about 59% routinely ask about sex health concerns. Future studies should focus on effective ways to incorporate sexual health screenings into gynecologic oncology clinics.

Keywords

• Sexual health
• Provider perspectives
• Quality of life