Attitudes and Practices of Oncology Nurses Toward Sexual Health Assessment in Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual health is an important but often overlooked aspect of cancer care. Oncology nurses play a key role in addressing patients’ sexual health concerns, yet assessment remains limited. This study aimed to examine oncology nurses’ attitudes and practices toward sexual health assessment in cancer patients.

Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross study. Ninety-three oncology nurses from hospitals in southeastern Iran were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire assessing attitudes and practices toward sexual health assessment (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.87). Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and one-way ANOVA to explore associations between nurse characteristics and attitudes/practices.

Results: Nurses reported moderately positive attitudes toward sexual health assessment (mean = 42.33 ± 7.39; range 0–60), while actual practice was limited (mean = 58.59 ± 3.90; range 0–100). Attitude scores were significantly associated with workplace location (p = 0.0001) and years of work experience (p = 0.03). These findings indicate a notable gap between nurses’ attitudes and their clinical engagement in sexual health, with potential implications for the comprehensive care of female cancer patients.

Conclusion: Despite generally positive attitudes, oncology nurses’ engagement in sexual health assessment remains suboptimal, highlighting a gap between knowledge and practice. Addressing this gap is critical to promoting holistic care that includes women’s sexual health. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Integrating structured sexual health education into nursing curricula and ongoing professional development can enhance nurses’ competence, improve assessment of sexual health in cancer care, and support the delivery of comprehensive care for women with cancer.