A Structural Equation Modeling of Sexual Adjustment in Radical Prostatectomy Patients

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify variables influencing the sexual adjustment of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy in order to establish a structural model and intervention strategy for improving patients’ sexual adjustment. Methods: Participants were 179 patients who received follow-up care after undergoing radical prostatectomy at two university hospitals in South Korea. Data were collected from July to November, 2017 using structured questionnaires. The exogenous variables were urinary symptoms and age, and the endogenous variables were sexual function, self-esteem, depression, couple intimacy, and sexual adjustment. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 21.0. Results: The goodness-of-fit measures of the final hypothetical model were satisfactory, as follows: x?/df=2.68, GFI=.91, CFI=.90, RMSEA=.09, SRMR=. 07. Sexual function, self-esteem, and couple intimacy had direct and total effects on sexual adjustment in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy, and age had only an indirect effect. These variables explained 66.5% of sexual adjustment among patients. Urinary symptoms and depression did not show any significant effects, however. Conclusion: To improve sexual adjustment in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy, it is imperative to establish active and effective nursing interventions to strengthen their sexual function, self-esteem, and couple intimacy, considering their age.