Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and sexual distress among male and female patients with lymphoma during cancer treatment.
Sample & setting: A sample of 20 patients with lymphoma was recruited from the Malignant Hematology Department of a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center to participate in this study.
Methods & variables: This study was one part of a pilot mixed-methods study and used a quantitative-descriptive, cross-sectional design. Data on sexual dysfunction and sexual distress were collected using four validated self-report questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Sexual dysfunction (n = 9 of 14 among male versus all female participants) and sexual distress (n = 6 of 14 among male versus n = 4 of 6 among female participants) were prevalent among patients with lymphoma undergoing cancer treatment.
Implications for nursing: Sexual function should be routinely assessed during every visit. In addition, sexual health should be integrated in survivorship care plans.
Keywords: cancer treatment; lymphoma; sexual distress; sexual dysfunction.