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Qualitative exploration of sexual dysfunction and associated coping strategies among Iranian prostate cancer survivors

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Abstract

Objective

Our understanding of the experiences of prostate cancer survivors regarding their sexual life and related issues remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore sexual dysfunction and associated coping strategies among Iranian prostate cancer survivors.

Methods

A qualitative study was undertaken. Participants were 15 Iranian prostate cancer survivors chosen using purposeful sampling. Data collection involved conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews, followed by the utilization of the conventional qualitative content analysis method for data analysis.

Results

Three themes were developed: (a) suspension of sexual life—treatment for prostate cancer significantly impacted participants’ sexual lives; (b) emotional resilience and psychological coping strategies—various psychological strategies were used to tackle sexual dysfunction; (c) efforts to regain sexual function—several strategies were applied to enhance sexual performance.

Conclusion

Our study findings provide insights into the experiences of prostate cancer survivors and subsequent shifts in their sexual dynamics and coping with the disease. Healthcare providers should actively identify patients’ concerns and develop culturally tailored care strategies to address sexual challenges and improve coping among prostate cancer survivors.

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Data availability

The interview transcripts will not be made publicly available to maintain the confidentiality of the data provided by the participants.

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Acknowledgements

The authors extend their gratitude to the participants who generously shared their valuable experiences and dedicated their time to contribute to this study.

Funding

This work was supported by the Iran University of Medical Sciences (grant number: 14011–3-23049).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran

    Abbas Mardani

  2. Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Mansoureh Ashghali Farahani & Alice Khachian

  3. Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran

    Maryam Maleki

  4. Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway

    Mojtaba Vaismoradi

  5. Faculty of Science and Health, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia

    Mojtaba Vaismoradi

Authors
  1. Abbas Mardani
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  2. Mansoureh Ashghali Farahani
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  3. Alice Khachian
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  4. Maryam Maleki
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  5. Mojtaba Vaismoradi
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. AM, AK, and MAF performed material preparation, data collection, and analysis. AM, MM, and MV wrote the first draft of the manuscript, and all authors commented on previous versions. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alice Khachian.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval

This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics committees of the Iran University of Medical Sciences (decree number: IR.IUMS.REC.1401.160).

Consent to participate

Informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Consent for publication

All participants consented to the research and subsequent publications.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Mardani, A., Farahani, M.A., Khachian, A. et al. Qualitative exploration of sexual dysfunction and associated coping strategies among Iranian prostate cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer 32, 360 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-08548-6

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