Persepsi Pasien Dan Suami Tentang Pengaruh Mastektomi Terhadap Citra Tubuh dan Fungsi Seksual

The purpose of the study was to explore the perception of breast cancer patients and their husband on the influence of mastectomy towards body image and sexual functioning. A descriptive explorative design with qualitative method of research was used. Five selected breast cancer patients and their husbands meeting criteria were interviewed from the first week after diagnose until one month after mastectomy. The findings were: 1) the influence of mastectomy on body image and sexual functioning as perceived by wives and their revealed the contributions of multi factors and dimensions; 2) there were different perceptions between the patients and their husband on the influence of mastectomy towards body image and sexual functioning, patients felt their husband were not attracted to them anymore while their husbands were afraid to hurt the patients if they had sexual relationship; 3) the influence of the mastectomy on body image had been perceived by the patients even before the mastectomy; 4) both patients and husbands had seeking for spiritual, social and professional supports before mastectomy; 5) other theme revealed were: psychological, social stigma, and financial burdens; 6) the extent of mastectomy had influence body image and sexual functioning was determined by the quality of marriage, particularly the openness of communication. Recommendations were: 1) to develop anticipatory guidance training program for nurse; 2) facilitate open communication between patients and their husband; 3) to develop self group program for patients and their husbands; 4) to provide information on resource available in the community; 5) to sustains continuity of care for patients and family; 6) to conduct further research using anthropological and social approaches.