Pediatric oncology clinician communication about sexual health with adolescents and young adults: A report from the children's oncology group. Cancer Med 2021 Aug;10(15):5110-5119
Date
06/16/2021Pubmed ID
34128352Pubmed Central ID
PMC8335832DOI
10.1002/cam4.4077Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85107826410 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 8 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Sexual health (SH) is an important concern for adolescents and young adults (AYAs). This study determined current SH communication practices, barriers, and additional resources needed among pediatric oncology clinicians who treat AYAs.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was developed by the Children's Oncology Group (COG) AYA Committee and sent to pediatric oncologists (n = 1,987; 85.9%) and advanced practice providers (APPs, n = 326; 14.1%) at 226 COG institutions. Responses were tabulated and compared using tests of proportion and trend.
RESULTS: The sample comprised 602 respondents from 168 institutions and was proportionally representative (468 oncologists [77.7%], 76 APPs [12.6%], 58 unidentified [9.6%]; institutional and provider response rates 74.3% and 26.2%, respectively). Almost half of respondents (41.7%) reported no/small role in SH care. Medical topics were discussed most often, including contraception (67.2%), puberty (43.5%), and sexual activity (37.5%). Topics never/rarely discussed included gender identity (64.5%), sexual orientation (53.7%), and sexual function (50.3%). Frequently cited communication barriers included lack of time, low priority, perceived patient discomfort, and the presence of a parent/guardian. Respondents endorsed the need for further education/resources on sexual function (66.1%), gender identity/sexual orientation (59.5%), and body image (46.6%). Preferred education modalities included dissemination of published guidelines (64.7%), skills training modules (62.9%), and webinars (45.3%). By provider type, responses were similar overall but differed for perception of role, barriers identified, and resources desired.
CONCLUSIONS: Many pediatric oncology clinicians play minimal roles in SH care of AYAs and most SH topics are rarely discussed. Provider-directed education/training interventions have potential for improving SH care of AYA cancer patients.
Author List
Frederick NN, Bingen K, Bober SL, Cherven B, Xu X, Quinn GP, Ji L, Freyer DRAuthor
Kristin M. Bingen PhD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Communication
Communication Barriers
Contraception
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Gender Identity
Humans
Male
Needs Assessment
Oncologists
Pediatricians
Puberty
Sexual Behavior
Sexual Health
Surveys and Questionnaires
Young Adult
