The Experience of Oral and Written Information about Sex and Relationships in adults Treated For Malignant Blood Diseases

Introduction: One of the most important needs of cancer patients is to receive thorough and honest information about their disease, treatment and chance for cure. Additionally, important aspects are possible treatment related to side effects and also the impact on patient’s sexual health. Most patients consider it is important to address the problems of sexual nature with health professionals, but results show that nurses and physicians do not address the issues of sexuality in the context of cancer therapy. The purpose of this study was to assess how information worked in practice, both oral and written. This study is also a result from an earlier presentation of the booklet ‘‘Sex and relationships in the treatment of blood diseases’’ as a poster at the EBMT in Vienna 2010. Method: A study specific questionnaire was developed for patients with malignant blood diseases. It contained questions about information on sex and relationships as well as on the developed booklet. Results: As to our knowledge this is the first study in Sweden examining patients’ experience of oral and written information about sexual issues. Two hundred and sixteen patients participated in this descriptive study. It included 135 men and 80 women with a mean age of 59 years. Most of the patients had not received information about sexual issues and a majority also considered oral information as important as written information. The result showed a very low input from health professionals. Only sixteen nurses (8.5%) and ten physicians (5.3%) had given oral information to the patients. The vast majority of patients were highly satisfied with the booklet, and considered it as being useful in general. Conclusion: It is concluded that patient with malignant blood diseases do not get information about sex and relationships as much as they wanted. Therefore health professionals need necessary training to feel confident in the conversation about sexuality and knowing how treatment affect sexuality. The result also showed that patients wanted written information and that the booklet could be helpful in communication with health professionals. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared