ABSTRACT

The determination of the self-efficacy levels of women with breast cancer, as well as their body image (BI) and sexual adjustment status, is very important for their empowerment. The purpose of this study was to determine the self-efficacy, BI, and sexual adjustment levels of women with breast cancer that received chemotherapy, as well as the factors that influence these characteristics.

This descriptive study included women (n=117) that were diagnosed with breast cancer, had received at least two sessions of chemotherapy. The study data were collected using a sociodemographic form which also included questions about the breast cancer. Also, the Strategies Used by Patients to Promote Health (SUPPH) scale, and the Sexual Adjustment and Body Image Scale (SABIS) were used.

The average age of the women participating in the study was 56.64±8.78 years. In the study, the women with breast cancer undergone a mastectomy, and those who lacked the support of their spouses, as well as education on sexuality, obtained lower scores on the SUPPH and SABIS. There was a positive correlation between the self-efficacy in self-care and sexual adjustment, sexual functions, and body images.

This study found that the women with breast cancer had low self-efficacy, and that their former sexual adjustment and low body image had a negative effect on their post-diagnosis sexual functions.