Relationships among sexual function, marital intimacy, type D personality and quality of life in patients with ovarian cancer, with spouses

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to identify the relationships among sexual function, marital intimacy, type D personality and quality of life (QoL) in patients with ovarian cancer, with spouses. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and 104 patients were recruited using convenience sampling, from the inpatient and outpatient gynaecological clinics of two tertiary medical centres using structured questionnaires. Results Of the 104 participants, 31.7% were classified as having a type D personality. The type D group had lower marital intimacy, higher symptoms and lower QoL than the non-type D personality group. The results of a hierarchical regression analysis showed that monthly income, symptoms, marital intimacy and type D personality were independent factors that influenced QoL in patients with ovarian cancer, with spouses. Conclusion Demographic characteristics, symptoms, marital intimacy and type D personality should be considered in patients with ovarian cancer, with spouses when evaluating QoL. Intervention strategies considering these characteristics could improve QoL for patients with ovarian cancer patient, with spouses.