Cervical Cancer, Brachytherapy
Conditions
Keywords
Cervical Cancer, Brachytherapy, Vaginal Dilator Therapy, Sexual Dysfunction
Brief summary
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of vaginal dilator use on female sexual function, self-compassion level, and quality of life in women undergoing brachytherapy for cervical cancer. Method: The study was conducted using a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design. The study was conducted with 80 female patients between June 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026. Data were collected using the Patient Identification Form, Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF), Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI), and EORTC QLQ-C30. Participants were evaluated at three different time points (week 1, week 4, and week 12).
Detailed description
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of vaginal dilator use on female sexual function, self-compassion level, and quality of life in women undergoing brachytherapy for cervical cancer. Method: The study was conducted using a pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design. The study was conducted with 80 female patients between June 1, 2025, and February 1, 2026. Data were collected using the Patient Identification Form, Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF), Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI), and EORTC QLQ-C30. Participants were evaluated at three different time points (week 1, week 4, and week 12).
Interventions
OTHERVaginal dilator
Patients used the vaginal dilator for 12 weeks.
Sponsors
Istanbul Aydın University
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
This study was designed as a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest interventional study without a control group. All participants received the same intervention (vaginal dilator use), and outcomes were evaluated at multiple time points (1st, 4th, and 12th weeks) to assess changes over time. The model focuses on within-subject comparisons to determine the effect of the intervention on sexual function, self-compassion, and quality of life.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Women aged 18 years * Diagnosed with cervical cancer * Completed external radiotherapy and brachytherapy * Initiated vaginal dilator use following treatment * Able to communicate and provide informed consent * Voluntarily agreed to participate in the study
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of severe psychiatric or cognitive disorders * Diagnosis of another active malignancy * Severe comorbid conditions that may affect participation * Inability to complete questionnaires or follow the study procedures * Refusal to participate or withdrawal during the study period
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Participant Information Form | baseline | The Patient Diagnostic Form used in the study was developed by the researchers in line with the literature and consists of a total of 17 questions. The form consists of three sections: (1) sociodemographic characteristics (age, marital status, education, employment status, etc.), (2) clinical characteristics related to treatment (types of treatment applied, number of brachytherapy sessions and follow-up period), and (3) gynecological and sexual health characteristics (surgical history, menopausal status, vaginal dryness, sexual activity and sexual changes after treatment). In addition, the level of knowledge about vaginal dilator use and perceived contribution were also evaluated. |
| Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form | first week | The Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF) is a self-report scale developed based on theoretical model of self-compassion, assessing an individual's compassionate attitude towards themselves. The scale consists of items representing self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness, as well as their opposing dimensions (self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification) The short form comprises 11 items, and participants rate their level of agreement with each statement on a 5-point Likert scale. |
| Female Sexual Function Index | first week | The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), is a 19-item multidimensional scale that assesses female sexual function in a multidimensional way. It consists of six sub-dimensions (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain). Sub-dimension scores are multiplied by specified coefficients to obtain a total score (ranging from 2 to 36); a higher score indicates better sexual function. |
| The EORTC QLQ-C30 | first week | The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a 30-item scale that assesses quality of life in cancer patients and consists of functional, symptom, and general health/quality of life subscales. The functional and symptom scales are evaluated using a 4-point Likert scale, while the general health scale uses a 7-point scale. Scores are standardized on a scale of 0-100 according to the EORTC guidelines, with higher scores in both functional and general health indicating a better quality of life. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
STUDY_DIRECTORDİLEK YILDIRIM, Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Istanbul Aydın University
Outcome results
None listed