1228 Marital adjustment of women treated for cervical cancer

Introduction/Background Traditionally emphasizing medical aspects, research on cervical cancer (CC) tends to overlook the complexities faced by couples dealing with the disease. By exploring the correlation between CC and its treatments and relational dynamics, we aim to elucidate the nuanced impact on couples' experiences. Methodology We present findings from a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 30 CC cases treated by radiotherapy at the Radiotherapy Department of Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia, from 2006 to 2020. Marital adjustment was evaluated using the standardized psychometric scale, Locke and Wallace Marital Adjustment Test (MAT). Results The mean score of the MAT scale was 89.7 ranging from 32 to 141. A marital discord was observed in 43.3% of female patients. In univariate analysis, factors such as vaginal involvement, inclusion of the vagina in the radiation field, poor quality of the couple's relationship before and after cervical cancer diagnosis, negative spouse reaction to the diagnosis, lack of communication and support from the spouse during cancer follow-up, poor sexual relationship before and after diagnosis, decreased frequency of sexual intercourse after diagnosis and completion of treatment, patients' beliefs regarding cervical cancer and sexual intercourse, and absence of information provided to the spouse about the nature of the cancer and treatment side effects significantly increased the prevalence of marital discord. Conclusion The findings underscore the varied impact of cervical cancer and its treatment on marital adjustment, emphasizing the need for targeted psychosocial support interventions for affected couples. Disclosures No.