The impact of mastectomy on Iranian women sexuality and body image: a systematic review of qualitative studies
Samaneh Alinejad Mofrad
Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Iran
: J Nurs Patient Care
Abstract
Mastectomy in women is perceived as losing feminine identity and reducing sexual attraction. The aim of this review is to explore the perception and impacts of mastectomy on Iranian women with breast cancer on their sexuality and body image. The review used a systematic literature search that followed the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The data sources PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SID, ProQuest, MEDLINE, and CINAHL (via the EBSCOhost) were systematically searched. Quality appraisal, data extraction, and findings from the included studies were pooled using meta- aggregation with the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI).Eight studies involving 163 women aged from 31 to 65 years, who had mastectomy, were included. A total of 31 findings were extracted and were aggregated into 4 categories and then further grouped into two synthesized findings: (1) fear of losing spouse’s sexual monopoly and (2) overcoming the challenges of losing femininity.This review found even in Muslim countries such as Iran women’s breasts are perceived as sexually attractive, and changes in body shape can lead to subsequent challenges in marital relationships.
Biography
Samaneh did PhD in nursing in Iran and my expertise is in evaluation in improving the situation and wellbeing in patients with cancer (and other chronic situation) and their survivors. I have international articles about this issues and interested in collaboration with all researcher in this field in the worldwide. I have worked as a clinical nurse for about 8 years and I have a warm relations with patients and their families. Now, I work as an assisstant professor in nursing at Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences in Iran.
