Self-Esteem, Depression and Sexual Quality of Life in Turkish Women with Gynecological Cancer

Gynecological cancers, which are the second of the world’s most common cancer types in all women, cause different psychological and physical complications, including low sex desire, relationship changes, low self-esteem, and low body image, depending on the causes specific to this disease and treatments. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between self-esteem, depression levels, and sexual quality of life in women with gynecological cancer who have finished their active treatment at least 6 months prior. A total of 80 women were included in the study. The semi-structured Interview Form, Rosenberg Self-Esteem (RSES), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Sexual Quality of Life Scale Female Form (SIQQ-F) were applied. Among the sociodemographic factors, there was only a positive relationship between the educational status of the patient and his partner and RSES scores. No significant association was found between the type of cancer, stage, type of treatment, the time of the first diagnosis of cancer, and RSES, BDI, and SIQQ-F scores. A statistically significant negative relationship was found between RSES and BDI scores, and a statistically significant positive relationship was found between RSES and SIQQ-F scores. In the follow-up period, self-esteem and depression levels were found to be significant predictors of sexual life quality in women with gynecological cancer. Because of the relationship between high level of depression, low self-esteem, and low sexual life quality, psychological support should also be provided to patients in the follow-up period.