Sexual Dysfunction and Adaptation in Couples Affected by Prostate Cancer Surgery

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to explore patient and partner experiences with sexual dysfunction following radical prostatectomy, in order to understand its effects on sexual and non-sexual intimacy. This will enable us to provide assistance in the future to individuals experiencing similar circumstances.

Detailed Description
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We are studying the impact of sexual dysfunction following radical prostatectomy on patient and partners' experiences of intimacy. Research with men in post-radical prostatectomy recovery indicates 25%-75% experience sexual dysfunction. Many patients experience anxiety and distress related to sexual difficulties. These experiences may progress and result in long-term problems in the relationship between patients and their partners. Despite apparent levels of effectiveness, up to half of the patients who turn to sexually assistive aids after surgical removal of the prostate discontinue use of the aids within one year. Additionally, difficulties in communicating about sexual impairments can significantly interfere with the couples' ability to achieve successful adaptation. We are interested in studying patient and partner experiences with sexual dysfunction in order to understand its effects on sexual and non-sexual intimacy. Participation in this study will involve completing 6 confidential face-to-face interviews on three separate occasions (3-6 months, 12-15 months, and 21-24 months post-surgery). On each occasion, participants will be required to take part in a couple's interview with his/her partner, as well as an individual interview. The interviews will provide participants with the opportunity to discuss the impact of sexual dysfunction on mood, thoughts, and communication with their partners. Demographic information will be collected at the initial interview. As well, at each of the 3 time points, participants will also be asked to complete a questionnaire package containing 6 psychological questionnaires. All questionnaires and interview material will be kept strictly confidential.

Official Title
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Sexual Dysfunction and Adaptation in Couples Affected by Prostate Cancer Surgery: Steps Towards a Bio-Psychosocial Model of Treatment

Conditions
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Prostate Cancer, Erectile Dysfunction Following Radical Prostatectomy, Sexual Dysfunction

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Radical prostatectomy treatment for prostate cancer at Princess Margaret Hospital or Etobicoke General Hospital At least 3 months, but less than 6 months post-radical prostatectomy Experience sexual dysfunction as a result of radical prostatectomy Must have an intimate partner and be able to participate as a couple Exclusion Criteria: Detectable prostate specific antigen (PSA) post-radical prostatectomy Patient or partner unable to speak English Patient or partner unwilling to allow interviews to be recorded Patient or partner unwilling to participate

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 35 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Semi-Structured Interview - Patient |  | 3-6 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Semi-Structured Interview - Patient |  | 12-15 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Semi-Structured Interview - Patient |  | 21-24 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Semi-Structured Interview - Partner |  | 3-6 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Semi-Structured Interview - Partner |  | 12-15 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Semi-Structured Interview - Partner |  | 21-24 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Semi-Structured Interview - Couple |  | 3-6 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Semi-Structured Interview - Couple |  | 12-15 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Semi-Structured Interview - Couple |  | 21-24 months post-radical prostatectomy | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The International Index of Erectile Function | Used to assess erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall sexual satisfaction in patients and male partners | 3-6 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Index of Sexual Life | Used to assess sexual desire and overall sexual satisfaction in female partners | 3-6 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Dyadic Adjustment Scale | Used to measure couple distress | 3-6 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale | Used to measure anxiety and depression | 3-6 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| The International Index of Erectile Function | Used to assess erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall sexual satisfaction in patients and male partners | 12-15 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| The International Index of Erectile Function | Used to assess erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall sexual satisfaction in patients and male partners | 21-24 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Index of Sexual Life | Used to assess sexual desire and overall sexual satisfaction in female partners | 12-15 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Index of Sexual Life | Used to assess sexual desire and overall sexual satisfaction in female partners | 21-24 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Dyadic Adjustment Scale | Used to measure couple distress | 12-15 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Dyadic Adjustment Scale | Used to measure couple distress | 21-24 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale | Used to measure anxiety and depression | 12-15 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale | Used to measure anxiety and depression | 21-24 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Brief Profile of Mood States | Used to measure emotional distress | 3-6 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Brief Profile of Mood States | Used to measure emotional distress | 12-15 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Brief Profile of Mood States | Used to measure emotional distress | 21-24 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Miller Social Intimacy Scale | Used to measure patient-partner intimacy | 3-6 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Miller Social Intimacy Scale | Used to measure patient-partner intimacy | 12-15 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Miller Social Intimacy Scale | Used to measure patient-partner intimacy | 21-24 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Sternberg Triangular Love Scale | Used to assess levels of intimacy (closeness and connectedness), commitment and decisions to love, and passion | 3-6 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Sternberg Triangular Love Scale | Used to assess levels of intimacy (closeness and connectedness), commitment and decisions to love, and passion | 12-15 months post-radical prostatectomy | 
| Sternberg Triangular Love Scale | Used to assess levels of intimacy (closeness and connectedness), commitment and decisions to love, and passion | 21-24 months post-radical prostatectomy | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Prostate Cancer, Radical Prostatectomy, Sexual Dysfunction, Intimacy, Adaptation, Psychosocial Oncology