Objectives: To explore the association between pretreatment body mass index (BMI) and post-treatment sexual function in women treated for endometrial cancer. .
Sample & setting: 28 postmenopausal women treated with vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) took part in this multisite exploratory secondary analysis at the University of Pennsylvania and Northwestern University. .
Methods & variables: Secondary data analysis was used to determine if pretreatment BMI is associated with post-VBT sexual function in postmenopausal women treated for endometrial cancer at baseline and at six months post-treatment. Because of small sample size, participants were dichotomized according to enrollment BMI.
Results: Both groups had poor sexual function at baseline. Although improved function was observed with time, neither group reached a score indicating healthy sexual function. .
Implications for nursing: Understanding factors that influence sexual health in patients with gynecologic cancer can improve post-treatment quality of life. .
Keywords: Female Sexual Function Index; body mass index; endometrial cancer; sexual dysfunction.