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67th Annual Meeting Abstracts
Concordance in the Perception of Couples Recovering from Primary Surgical Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Tracey L Krupski1, *Janice Mayes2, *Vladimir Mouraviev2, *Matvey Tsivian2, *Craig Donatucci2, *Thomas Polascik2
1University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA;2Duke University, Durham, NC
Abstract
Introduction
Urologists have focused on prostate cancer control and patient outcomes; however, it has been labeled a “relationship disease” as research shows effects on the couple. Studies have found that psychological distress is equivalent regardless of whether the person is the patient or partner. We hypothesized that the couple would perceive the recovery from primary surgical treatment of PCa differently.
Methods
Retrospective sexual survey packets (RSS) were sent to patients undergoing surgical procedure for prostate cancer by a single surgeon. One follow-up call was utilized per patient. If no interest was shown, no further contact was pursued. RSS packets include IRB-approved consent forms, a RSS, and a validated sexual function questionnaire the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for male partner and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for female partner. We analyzed couples’ concordance in psychological domains including emotional status, relationship, self-image, partnership quality, and support.
Results
28 heterosexual couples (56 people) were enrolled. Patients were treated between February 2002 and March 2007 with a median follow-up of 26 (range: 4-59) months. When polled on psychological aspects that may have been affected by treatment, overall concordance was 75.0%. Partnership had the highest concordance (92.2%) with treatment satisfaction questions following in second (90.7%). Subcategories focused on self-image (77.5%), the relationship (67.3%), support (66.4%), and emotional status (55.6%), were less concordant.
Conclusions
Although couples report relationships as strong, misconception between partners is widespread. Further research concerning the effect of such disparities in couples might provide additional insight into improving recovery.
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