Date of Award

Summer 2024

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Department

College of Nursing

First Advisor

Liam C. Hein

Abstract

Sexual quality of life (SQoL) is a critical aspect of well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, and social dimensions. For sexual and gender minority women (SGMW)—lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer—cancer presents unique challenges. This dissertation examined the relationships between cancer treatment symptoms, social support, and communication with the cancer care team (CCT) on SQoL among SGMW survivors of breast, gynecological, and colorectal cancers. Quantitative data from 37 participants were collected using PROMIS® measures, assessing demographics, treatment history, post-treatment symptoms, perceived social support, and communication with the CCT. Additionally, in-depth interviews with five participants provided qualitative insights into their experiences and the meaning of SQoL. Quantitative results revealed significant interference from physical and psychological symptoms on SQoL, emphasizing the need for comprehensive symptom management. Participants reported high levels of interference from scars, fatigue, pain, and psychological distress. Qualitative data offered detailed accounts of lived experiences, particularly highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on isolation, healthcare access, and stress. The structured nature of quantitative surveys may have limited the capture of pandemic-specific issues, whereas qualitative methods allowed for in-depth exploration of these effects. The timing of data collection also played a role, with qualitative interviews more likely reflecting immediate pandemic impacts. Overall, the findings reveal that physical and psychological symptoms significantly interfere with SQoL, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive symptom management. This multi-method approach underscores the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional needs of SGMW cancer survivors to improve their overall well-being.

Rights

© 2024, Heather Schneider Miles

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