Sexual Satisfaction and Psychosocial Well-Being Among Saudi Survivors of Cervical and Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

TL;DR

This study explores the sexual satisfaction and emotional health of Saudi women who survived breast or cervical cancer, finding that younger age and education impact well-being.

Contribution

The study provides insights into the psychosocial and sexual well-being of Saudi cancer survivors, highlighting the influence of cultural and demographic factors.

Findings

Most participants reported high emotional well-being, but only half had satisfactory sexual function.

Younger age and higher education were linked to lower emotional well-being.

Social relationship quality was higher among younger and employed women.

Abstract

Background: While survival outcomes for breast and cervical cancer have improved in Saudi Arabia, little is known about the long-term sexual and psychosocial well-being of survivors. This study aimed to assess sexual satisfaction, emotional health, and social relationship quality among Saudi women diagnosed with cervical and breast cancers and to identify sociodemographic predictors of quality of life (QoL) across these domains. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 129 women with a history of breast or cervical cancer during May–July 2021. The instrument combined validated tools measuring three core QoL domains: sexual function and satisfaction, psychological and emotional well-being, and social and relationship qualities. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used. Results: A total of 129 women with cervical and breast cancers (51.2% cervical, 48.8% breast) participated. Most were aged 31–45 years (45.7%), married (83.0%), with 48.1% holding a bachelor’s degree. Overall, 74.4% of participants reported high to moderate emotional well-being; 48.8% reported satisfactory sexual function, and only 41.1% perceived high quality in social relationships. Younger age (21–30 years), higher education, and having more children were significantly associated with lower emotional well-being (p < 0.05). Conversely, current treatment status and higher parity were associated with better sexual function. Social and relationship quality was significantly higher among younger and employed women. Perceived importance of domains varied, with emotional well-being rating the highest (82.9%). Conclusions: Sexual and social QoL are underserved yet critical components of survivorship care. Cultural, familial, and educational contexts play significant roles in shaping post-treatment experiences. Interventions tailored to age, family dynamics, and treatment stage are needed to improve the holistic well-being of survivors in Saudi Arabia.

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