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Chun: A Structural Equation Model on Sexual Function in Women with Gynecologic Cancer
Original Article
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing

Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2008; 38(5): 639-648.

Published online: 30 October 2008

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2008.38.5.639

A Structural Equation Model on Sexual Function in Women with Gynecologic Cancer

Nami Chun

Full-time Instructor, College of Nursing, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Chun, Nami. College of Nursing, Sungshin Women's University, 249-1 Dongseon-dong 3-ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-742, Korea. Tel: 82-2-920-7523, Fax: 82-2-920-2902, nmchun@sungshin.ac.kr

Received 21 July 2008       Accepted 5 September 2008

Copyright © 2008 Korean Society of Nursing Science

Abstract

Purpose

This study was designed to construct and test a structural equation model on sexual function in women with gynecologic cancer.

Methods

The model was constructed and tested under the hypotheses that women's physical changes in sexual function after gynecologic cancer treatment did not automatically lead to sexual dysfunctions. Women's psychosocial factors were considered to be mediating variables. Two hundred twelve women with cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancer were recruited and asked to complete a survey on their physical factors, psychosocial factors and sexual function. Data was analyzed using SPSS WIN 12.0 and Amos WIN 5.0.

Results

Predictors of sexual function in the final model were sexual attitude affected by physical distress and couple's age, sexual information affected by physical distress and couple's age, depression affected by physical distress, and marital intimacy affected by physical distress. Tumor stage and time since last treatment directly affected women's sexual function without any mediating psychosocial variables. However, body image did not affect women's sexual function.

Conclusion

Nursing professionals should develop a tailored educational program integrating both physical and psychosocial aspects, and apply it to women and their spouses in order to promote sexual function in women with gynecologic cancer.

Keywords: Gynecologic cancer, Sexual function, Structural equation modeling

Figures and Tables

Figure 1
Conceptual framework.
jkan-38-639-g001
Figure 2
The hypothetical model.
jkan-38-639-g002
Figure 3
Path diagram for the modified model.
jkan-38-639-g003
Table 1
Descriptive Statistics of Observed Variables (N=212)
jkan-38-639-i001
Table 2
Correlations among Observed Variables
jkan-38-639-i002

*p<.05; **p<.01.

x1=physical symptom; x2=performance limitation; x3=tumor stage; x4=time since last treatment; x5=age; x6=husband age; y1=body image; y2=sexual attitude; y3=sexual information; y4=depression; y5=marital intimacy; y6=sexual function.

Notes

This study was supported by Sungshin Women's University Research Fund.

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