Mina Esmkhani - MSc. Dept. of Midwifery counseling, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
Roghiieh Kharaghani - PhD. in Reproductive Health, Dept. of Midwifery, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
Effat Merghaty khoe - PhD, Dept. of Midwifery, Associate Professo, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Soghrat Faghihzadeh - Professor of Biostatistics, Zanjan Social Dept. of Health Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
Elham Shakibazadeh - PhD, Dept. of Health Education and Promotion, Associate Professor, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Background: Sexual relationships of women with breast cancer are affected by diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess sexual function and sexual behavior in women with breast cancer having sexual distress in Zanjan in ۲۰۱۵-۲۰۱۶. Methods: This cross sectional study was part of a larger study, which was performed on ۷۵ women with breast cancer in the oncology clinic of Valiasr hospital and Mehraneh charity clinic. Sampling was based on a purposeful approach. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Sexual Function Questionnaire (FSFI), and indigenous sexual behavior questionnaire in women of reproductive age (SBQ). Data were analyzed using the Chi-squared and Spearman-Pearson tests. Results: A majority of the women (۷۷.۳%) had an undesirable sexual function and orgasm dysfunction (۶۵.۳%). Besides, it was found that the majority of women had low to moderate sexual behavior. The correlational analyses related to sexual function and sexual behavior and their sub-scales showed that there was only a significant positive relationship between the sexual capacity subscale and the total sexual function scale (P<۰.۰۰۵). Conclusion: Women with breast cancer had sexual dysfunction and behavior. Designing and implementing related counseling programs may help to reduce sexual distress, improve sexual function and marital satisfaction, and enhance the quality of life of affected women.  

Breast Cancer, Sexual Function, Women