Evaluation of the effects of mastectomy on self-esteem and sexual life quality

Aygün Topuz, E. Evaluation of the Effects of Mastectomy on Self-Esteem and Sexual Life Quality, Namık Kemal University Institute of Health Sciences Surgical Diseases Nursing Master Thesis, Tekirdağ, 2019. The research was designed with descriptive purpose to determine the effects of mastectomy on self-esteem and sexual quality of life.In this research, women with breast cancer who had undergone mastectomy and healthy women and who were not diagnosed with breast cancer were evaluated. The sample of the study consisted of 50 female and 50 healthy women who applied to the Oncology Unit of Trakya University Medical Faculty Hospital. The data were collected by using Sociodemographic Information Form, Body Perception Scale (SAD), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RBS), and Sexual Life Quality Scale (SRSI).SPSS 21.0 Statistical package was used to evaluate the findings of the research. Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher Exact test were used for the comparison of categorical parameters, and t-test was used for the comparison of the parameters between groups. In the case of more than two groups, the one-way Anova test and the Bonferroni test were used to determine the difference group. Pearson Correlation Analysis was used for the comparison between the scales and Linear Regression Analysis was used to examine the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variable. The results were evaluated at 95% confidence interval and p <0.05 significance level.In our research, the mean age of women with breast cancer was 38,00 ± 9,718 and the mean age at the time of diagnosis was 39,600 ± 8,864. The majority of the patients with breast cancer were primary school graduates (34%) and their monthly income (74%). The mean sapt "self-esteem" of women was 1,180 ± 1,997, "body perception" was 85,700 ± 15,332, and "sex life quality scale" was found as 63,380 ± 21,432.Positive correlation between body perception and self-esteem (r = 0.509; p = 0.000 <0.05) was negatively correlated with quality of life (r = -0.499; p = 0.000 <0.05). There was a significant relationship between body perception and negative (r = -0,516; p = 0,000 <0,05).According to the research findings; People with breast cancer should be examined psychosocially and body image and sexual life should be monitored after mastectomy and psychological support should be provided by health workers. It is recommended that research to address breast repair procedures performed after mastectomy in the context of social security.