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

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.