Anzeige
Erschienen in:
01.03.2013 | Original Article
Health-related quality of life, depression, and sexual function in testicular cancer survivors in a developing country: a Serbian experience
Erschienen in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Ausgabe 3/2013
Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhaltenAbstract
Purpose
The aims of this study were to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, adverse physical symptoms, and sexual function within Serbian long-term testicular cancer survivors (TCS) and to address cultural specificity.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study involving 202 TCS, followed up after platinum-based chemotherapy. The HRQoL was measured using the Short Form 36 and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to explore general depressive status while sexual function was assessed using a nine-item questionnaire.
Results
The mean follow-up time since treatment was 47.3 ± 26.8 months. The highest values of the SF-36 scales were obtained for physical functioning, and the lowest SF-36 values were obtained for vitality. Age of patients and BDI scores statistically significantly influenced total quality of life. The mean score of the whole sample on the BDI-II was 4.0. Age is the only statistically significant risk factor for the development of depression. A total of 27.3 % TCS reported decreased sexual function compared to the period before treatment. Any level of impairment of erectile function was reported by 20.8 % patients and problems with ejaculation by 25.7 % patients. Loss of desire was reported by 17.3 % TCS. The presence of sexual problems statistically significantly lowered scores of SF-36 domains.
Conclusion
Sexual problems seriously impaired HRQoL in TCS. Additionally, HRQoL was also affected by age, depression, and fatigue. Serbian TCS achieved high levels of SF-36 scores, and these results are comparable to studies conducted in developed countries.