Differences in sexual functioning between patients with benign and malignant breast tumors

The aim of this study was to compare differences in sexual behavior between patients with benign and malignant breast tumors. A total of 187 patients treated for breast tumors (benign or malignant) at the General Hospital >Pozega<, Croatia, filled in the questionnaire between January 2001 and May 2003. Patients were asked to fill in the questionnaire one to ten years after treatment of breast tumor, while they were on their regular control visit. Deterioration in sexual life experienced 36.27% of patients with benign tumors and 51.76% of patients with malignant tumor (p<0.01). The main reason of sex life impairment in both groups was distortion of body image perception. Most of partners did not change their behavior toward women with breast tumors (48.72% for benign group and 41.82% or malignant group, p>0.05). A great amount of women in both groups felt certain change in her >body image<, but in greater extent in malignant group (41.18% vs. 25.49%), (p<0.05). From our results we can see that patients in this study do not recognize need for consultation with their physician regarding sex life after treatment of tumor (41.18% for benign and 35.29% in malignant group). It can be concluded that considerable amount of attention should be given to psychological aspects of recovery which can improve prognosis and quality of life in general.     

保留盆腔自主神经的宫颈癌根治术对Ib期宫颈癌患者性生活质量及膀胱直肠功能的影响

目的:探讨保留盆腔自主神经的宫颈癌根治术对Ib期宫颈癌患者性生活质量及膀胱直肠功能的影响。方法:选取我院于2010年1月~2017年1月期间收治的90例Ib期宫颈癌患者为研究对象,按乱数表法分为对照组和观察组,每组患者各45例。对照组患者采用传统的宫颈癌根治术治疗,观察组采用保留盆腔自主神经的宫颈癌根治术治疗。比较两组患者的手术情况、性生活质量以及膀胱直肠功能。结果:相比于对照组,观察组患者的手术时间较长,但住院时间较短(P0.05)。观察组术后残余尿量100 m L、50 m L的时间、肛门排气时间、排便时间与对照组比较均明显较短(P0.05)。术后观察组性生活质量各项评分低于对照组(P0.05)。观察组并发症发生率为6.67%,明显低于对照组的22.22%(P0.05)。结论:保留盆腔自主神经的宫颈癌根治术治疗Ib期宫颈癌患者临床疗效显著,有利于患者术后膀胱直肠功能的快速恢复,对患者的性生活质量影响较小,且术后并发症较少。     

女性宫颈癌认知情况、健康行为调查及知晓率的影响因素分析

摘要 目的：调查女性宫颈癌认知情况、健康行为,分析影响患者知晓率的影响因素。方法：选择2018年3月至2020年5月于我院进行检查的女性210例为研究对象,采用问卷调查形式对调查对象宫颈癌认知以及防治宫颈癌健康行为进行调查,采用Logistic回归分析影响宫颈癌认知知晓率的危险因素。结果：本次调查共发放问卷210份,回收问卷205份,有效问卷200份,有效问卷率95.24%。调查对象对宫颈癌检查次数、宫颈癌检查目的、生殖道感染症状认知正确率较高,分别为51.50%、48.00%、45.00%,获取宫颈癌防治知识途径较少,3种以上者比例仅占25.50%。健康行为调查结果显示性生活前后偶尔清洁外阴、人工流产次数为1次、偶尔采取避孕措施、从未参与宫颈癌筛查的女性占比分别为47.50%、41.50%、51.50%、47.00%。单因素分析显示年龄、文化程度、居住地、家庭经济收入、宫颈癌家族史、宫颈癌防治信息获取途径与宫颈癌相关防治知识知晓率有关（P＜0.05）,Logistic回归分析结果显示文化程度低、家庭经济收入低、宫颈癌防治信息获取途径少是影响女性对宫颈癌相关防治知识知晓率的危险因素（P＜0.05）。结论：被调查女性中对宫颈癌认知度偏低,防范意识薄弱,健康行为不足,应加强宫颈癌筛查和防治宣传,以降低宫颈癌发病率。     

单向纳入式人工胃底活瓣在食管-胃胸内吻合抗返流中的应用研究

目的:探讨单向纳入式人工胃底活瓣用于食管-胃胸内吻合抗返流患者的临床效果。方法:选择2017年3月-2018年3月入院治疗的食管中下段癌根治术患者70例,所有患者均在腹腔镜下完成全胸腹腔镜下食管-胃胸内吻合手术,术后采用胃肠吻合器完成食管胃右胸内吻合完成消化道重建。根据抗返流方法分为对照组(n=35例)和观察组(n=35例)。对照组术后包埋吻合口,观察组术后采用单向纳入式人工胃底活瓣,两组治疗完毕后对患者效果进行评估。记录并比较两组治疗后痊愈、全身衰竭死亡、吻合口瘘、返酸及吐苦水返流症状、烧心感的发生率;采用WHOQol-BREF生活量表对两组治疗前、治疗后生活质量进行比较。结果:观察组治疗后痊愈率显著高于对照组(71.43%vs. 42.86%,P0.05),全身衰竭死亡、吻合口瘘、返酸及吐苦水返流症状、烧心感发生率均明显低于对照组(P0.05)。两组治疗后生理健康、心理状态、社会关系、周围环境及独立能力评分均显著高于治疗前(P0.05),且观察组治疗后生理健康、心理状态、社会关系、周围环境及独立能力评分均高于对照组(P0.05)。结论:单向纳入式人工胃底活瓣用于食管中下段癌根治术患者能降低返流症状的发生率,能提高患者生活质量。     

Transgender Transitioning and Change of Self-Reported Sexual Orientation

Objective

Sexual orientation is usually considered to be determined in early life and stable in the course of adulthood. In contrast, some transgender individuals report a change in sexual orientation. A common reason for this phenomenon is not known.

Methods

We included 115 transsexual persons (70 male-to-female “MtF” and 45 female-to-male “FtM”) patients from our endocrine outpatient clinic, who completed a questionnaire, retrospectively evaluating the history of their gender transition phase. The questionnaire focused on sexual orientation and recalled time points of changes in sexual orientation in the context of transition. Participants were further asked to provide a personal concept for a potential change in sexual orientation.

Results

In total, 32.9% (n =  23) MtF reported a change in sexual orientation in contrast to 22.2% (n =  10) FtM transsexual persons (p =  0.132). Out of these patients, 39.1% (MtF) and 60% (FtM) reported a change in sexual orientation before having undergone any sex reassignment surgery. FtM that had initially been sexually oriented towards males ( = androphilic), were significantly more likely to report on a change in sexual orientation than gynephilic, analloerotic or bisexual FtM (p  =  0.012). Similarly, gynephilic MtF reported a change in sexual orientation more frequently than androphilic, analloerotic or bisexual MtF transsexual persons (p  =  0.05).

Conclusion

In line with earlier reports, we reveal that a change in self-reported sexual orientation is frequent and does not solely occur in the context of particular transition events. Transsexual persons that are attracted by individuals of the opposite biological sex are more likely to change sexual orientation. Qualitative reports suggest that the individual''s biography, autogynephilic and autoandrophilic sexual arousal, confusion before and after transitioning, social and self-acceptance, as well as concept of sexual orientation itself may explain this phenomenon.     

Human Papillomavirus Prevalence in a Population of Women Living in Port-au-Prince and Leogane,Haiti

Background

There have been no published studies of carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV)--the necessary cause of cervical cancer--in Haiti, a nation that has one of the greatest burdens of cervical cancer globally.

Objective

Characterize prevalence of carcinogenic HPV and the prevalence of individual carcinogenic HPV genotypes in women with cervical precancer or cancer, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) or more severe (CIN2+).

Methods

Women (n=9,769; aged 25-60 years) were screened for carcinogenic HPV by Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2; Qiagen, Gaithersburg, MD). Carcinogenic HPV positives underwent colposcopy and visible lesions were biopsied. A subset of carcinogenic HPV positives was tested for individual HPV genotypes using a GP5+/6+ assay.

Results

The prevalence of carcinogenic HPV was 19.0% (95% confidence interval: 18.4%-19.9%) and decreased with increasing age (p_trend < 0.001). Women with 3 or more sexual partners and who started sex before the age of 18 years had twice the age-adjusted prevalence of carcinogenic HPV of women with one partner and who started sex after the age of 21 (24.3% vs. 12.9%, respectively). HPV16 and HPV35 were the most common HPV genotypes detected in CIN2+ and more common in women with CIN2+ than those without CIN2+. HPV16 and/or HPV18 were detected in 21.0% of CIN2 (n = 42), 46.2% of CIN3 (n = 52), and 80% of cancers (n = 5).

Conclusions

The prevalence of carcinogenic HPV in Haiti was much greater than the prevalence in other Latin American countries. High carcinogenic HPV prevalence and a lack of cervical cancer screening may explain the high burden of cervical cancer in Haiti.     

宫颈癌放疗患者生活质量的影响因素及与应对方式的关系研究

目的:探讨宫颈癌放疗患者生活质量的影响因素及与应对方式的关系。方法:选取2018年7月2019年11月期间我院收治的宫颈癌放疗患者139例,收集患者临床资料,采用癌症治疗功能评价系统中的宫颈癌量表(FACT-Cx)对宫颈癌患者的生活质量进行评分,采用Jalowiec的应对量表(JCS)记录并评估所有患者的应对方式,并采用Pearson相关性分析生活质量与应对方式的关系。采用单因素及多因素Logistic回归分析宫颈癌放疗患者生活质量的影响因素。结果:宫颈癌放疗患者的FACT-Cx总分与面对、乐观、姑息、依靠自我应对方式评分呈正相关(P<0.05),与情感宣泄、宿命应对方式评分呈负相关(P<0.05),与逃避、支持应对方式评分无相关性(P>0.05)。不同文化程度、年龄、化疗、肿瘤病理类型情况患者之间FACT-Cx总分比较无统计学差异(P>0.05);不同家庭月收入、肿瘤分期、下肢水肿情况、婚姻状况患者之间FACT-Cx总分比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,家庭月收入、肿瘤分期、下肢水肿情况、婚姻状况均是宫颈癌放疗患者生活质量的影响因素(P<0.05)。结论:宫颈癌放疗患者生活质量与应对方式存在密切联系,且家庭月收入、肿瘤分期、下肢水肿情况、婚姻状况均是其生活质量的影响因素,临床工作者应结合以上因素对患者放疗方案给予针对性调整。     

Radiation therapy is not an independent risk factor for decreased sexual function in women with gynecologic cancers

Aim

To evaluate the associations of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and intracavitary brachytherapy (IB) with decreased sexual function.

Cervical Cancer Screening Service Uptake and Associated Factors among Age Eligible Women in Mekelle Zone,Northern Ethiopia, 2015: A Community Based Study Using Health Belief Model

Introduction

Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women worldwide, with about 500,000 new patients diagnosed and over 250,000 deaths every year. Cervical cancer screening offers protective benefits and is associated with a reduction in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer and cervical cancer mortality. But there is very low participation rate in screening for cervical cancer among low and middle-income countries.

Objective

This study aimed to determine cervical cancer screening service uptake and its associated factor among age eligible women in Mekelle zone, northern Ethiopia, 2015.

Methods

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Mekelle zone among age eligible women from February to June 2015. Systematic sampling technique was used to select 1286 women in to the study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant data. Data was entered and cleaned using EPINFO and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software package. Bivariate and Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess association between dependent and independent variables with 95% CI and p-value less than 0.05 was set for association.

Results

The study revealed that among 1186 age eligible women, only 235(19.8%) have been screened for cervical cancer. Age (AOR = 1.799, 95%CI = 1.182–2.739), history of multiple sexual partners (AOR = 1.635, 95%CI = 1.094–2.443), history of sexually transmitted disease (AOR = 1.635,95%CI = 1.094–2.443), HIV sero status (AOR = 5.614, 95%CI = 2.595–12.144), perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer (AOR = 2.225, 95%CI = 1.308–3.783), perceived barriers to premalignant cervical lesions screening (AOR = 2.256, 95%CI = 1.447–3.517) and knowledge on cervical cancer and screening (AOR = 2.355, 95%CI = 1.155–4.802) were significant predictors of cervical cancer screening service uptake.

Conclusion

Magnitude of cervical cancer screening service uptake among age eligible women is still unacceptably low. Age of the women, history of multiple sexual partners and sexually transmitted disease, HIV sero-positivity, Knowledge, Perceived susceptibility and Perceived Barrier were important predictors of cervical cancer screening service uptake.     

腹腔镜直肠癌根治术与开腹手术患者术后生活质量对比分析

目的:研究腹腔镜直肠癌根治术与开腹术患者术后生活质量的异同.方法:回顾性分析青医附院普外科2006年-2008年100例经腹腔镜直肠癌根治术的男性患者和开腹直肠癌根治术的100例男性患者,比较腹腔镜组和开腹组术后生活质量的并同.探讨腹腔镜直肠癌手术保留盆腔自主神经的可行性以及对术后性功能和排便功能的影响.并分析腹腔镜直肠癌手术对病人术后生活质量的影响.结果:腹腔镜组患者术后泌尿功能和性功能在术后一个月及术后一年均优于开腹组的病人(P＜0.05).术后排便功能无明显差异.结论:腹腔镜直肠癌手术能取得和开腹手术同样的临床疗效,并且可以明显提高患者术后的生活质量.     

A case-control study to evaluate urinary tract complications in radical hysterectomy

BACKGROUND: This study has evaluated urinary tract injuries and dysfunction after Radical Hysterectomy (RH) performed in patients with cervical cancer and has compared the cystometric parameters and urinary complications occurring in these patients with those occurring in patients who had undergone Simple Hysterectomy (SH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective case-control study was conducted to evaluate urinary tract injuries (intra-operative and post-operative) and dysfunction in 50 patients undergoing RH for cervical cancer and to compare them with the same parameters in 50 patients who underwent SH for benign disease. RESULTS: Mean age in the RH group was 46.3 years and in the SH group was 50.1 (p = 0.63). There were no bladder and urethral injuries in either group of patients. There was one intra-operative ureteral injury in the RH patients but none in those who underwent SH. (p < 0.05). In the two weeks after surgery, 15% of RH patients and 11% of SH patients had experienced a urinary tract infection urinary tract infection (p = 0.61). Two week after surgery 62% of RH patients had no urinary symptoms, compared to 84% in the SH group who did (p < 0.02). Urinary residual volume, first urinary sensation and maximal bladder capacity were higher in the RH group, but this was not statistically significant. The only case of a urinary fistula appeared in a patient who received 5000 cGy radiation therapy pre-operatively, but this spontaneously healed after 3 weeks of catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-operative and post-operative urinary tract complications are comparable in patients undergoing RH and SH and an expert gynaecological oncologist might be able to further decrease complications. However, radiation therapy before surgery may increase the risk of complications.     

EB病毒与子宫颈癌发病的关系

目的 分析EB病毒感染与子宫颈的关系及其对抑癌基因p53表达的影响,探讨EB病毒的致癌机制。方法 采用免疫组织化学S-P法,分别检测59例宫颈鳞癌,19例正常宫颈组织的EB病毒（Epstein-Barr virus,EBV）及抑癌基因p53蛋白的表达情况,并进一步分析宫颈癌组织EBV感染与抑癌基因p53表达的关系。结果 EBV阳性表达率在宫颈癌及正常宫颈组分别为64．4％和21．1％,2组间差异有显著性（P〈0．05）;p53在宫颈癌组织中的阳性表达率为64．4％,明显高于正常宫颈组26．3％,（P〈0．05）。EBV感染与非感染的宫颈癌组织中,p53的阳性表达率分别为78．9％与38．1％,2组间差异有显著性（P〉0．05）。结论 EBV病毒感染与宫颈癌的发病密切相关,但其机制可能是通过影响抑癌基因P53表达而致癌。     

Obesity and the likelihood of sexual behavioral risk factors for HPV and cervical cancer

Obesity is associated with higher cervical cancer mortality, but its relationship with sexual behavioral risk factors that predispose women to human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervical cancer is unclear. We used data from 3,329 women participants, aged 20-59 years, of the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, to analyze the relationship between BMI and age at first intercourse, number of sexual partners, condom use during sexual activity, history of sexually transmitted disease (STD), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) seropositivity, and HPV prevalence. BMI was not associated with the prevalence of HPV. Mildly obese women (BMI 30.0-34.9 kg/m(2)) were least likely to report a STD history (9% vs. 13% in normal weight) and >or=2 sexual partners in the previous year (8% vs. 13%) while overweight women (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m(2)) were least likely to report >or=10 lifetime partners; among those with multiple partners, BMI was not associated with sexual activity without condoms in the past month. After adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, and education, women with higher BMI were less likely to report sexual behavioral risk factors than normal-weight women; however, odds ratios were only significant for mildly obese women for reporting a STD history (0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.99) and having >or=2 sexual partners in the last year (0.57, 0.39-0.85). Higher BMI was not associated with HSV-2 seropositivity after adjustment. HPV and sexual behavioral risk factors for HPV and cervical cancer are not more prevalent in obese than normal-weight women and unlikely to account for higher-observed cervical cancer mortality in obese women.     

紫杉醇联合铂类方案治疗中晚期宫颈癌患者的临床研究

目的:探讨紫杉醇联合铂类方案对中晚期宫颈癌的临床疗效。方法:98例中晚期宫颈癌患者平均分为两组,观察组采用紫杉醇联合铂类方案治疗,对照组采用伊立替康联合铂类方案治疗。分别用电化学发光法、微粒子酶免疫分析法检测血清中人细胞角蛋白21-1片段(CYFRA21-1)、人鳞状细胞癌相关抗原(SCC-Ag)含量,对比两种治疗方案的临床疗效、生存质量、副反应。结果:观察组有效率73.5%显著高于对照组42.9%(P0.01)。治疗后两组血清CYFRA21-1、SCC-Ag较治疗前均有明显降低(均P0.05),且观察组较对照组降低更明显(P0.05)。治疗后,两组躯体功能(PF)、情绪功能(EF)、社会功能(SF)、疲乏(FA)、食欲减退(AP)、疼痛(PA)方面均改善,其中,除EF外,观察组改善均优于对照组(均P0.05)。观察组副反应总发生率显著低于对照组(P0.05)。结论:紫杉醇联合铂类方案对中晚期宫颈癌疗效显著,具有改善患者生存质量、减少副反应、降低血清CYFRA21-1、SCC-Ag水平的优点。     

Human papillomavirus genotypes and the p53 codon 72 polymorphism in cervical cancer of Northeastern Thailand

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection including sub-strain identification was studied in patients with squamous cell cervical cancer (SCCA) in Northeastern Thailand. Subjects were 90 cases of SCCA and 100 healthy controls. Prevalence of high-risk group of HPV infection in the controls and the SCCA patients were 13.0% and 86.7%, respectively. The HPV infection significantly increased the risk for cervical cancer 43.5-fold (95% confidential interval: 17.5-110.6; P <0.00001). Among HPV carrier patients with SCCA (n = 78), HPV-16 was also prominent (70.5%) followed by HPV-18 (23.1%). There was no statistical difference in the subtype distribution between the SCCA and the control groups. There was no significant association between genotype distribution of the p53 codon 72 polymorphism and HPV infection. HPV infection was confirmed as a critical risk factor for cervical cancer development in Northeast Thailand. Since polymorphism of the p53 itself as well as in combination with HPV infection may not be a genetic risk for cervical cancer, much attention should be paid to other risk factors such as sexual behavior and smoking.     

Analysis of colon cancer features in Croatia

Qualitative and quantitative parametars were evaluated in 186 colorectal cancer patients. Quality of life was evaluated in subgroup of 84 patients. Correlation between Dukes stage of disease and qualitative (gender, blood type, marital status, region of Croatia from where patients were coming) and quantitative biological parametars (age, body mass index) was analysed. There was no statistically significant difference considering distribution of the patients disease stage and gender, blood type, marital status, region of Croatia from where patients were coming and body mass index (p > 0.05). Patients with Dukes D stage of colorectal cancer were statistically significantly younger in comparison to other stages (p < 0.05). Quality of life was the best before surgery, significantly deteriorated immediately after and partially improved three months after the surgery without significant differences between investagted groups with different colorectal cancer stage and type of surgery.     

宫颈癌患者行根治性子宫切除术且保留盆腔自主神经的效果观察

目的:探讨宫颈癌患者行保留盆腔自主神经的根治性子宫切除术的临床效果。方法:按照随机数字表法将入选的48例宫颈癌患者随机分为对照组和试验组两组,每组患者各24例,其中对照组患者均采用传统的宫颈癌根治手术治疗,而试验组患者则采用保留盆腔自主神经的根治性子宫切除术进行治疗,比较两组患者的术中情况和术后恢复情况等。结果:两组患者的子宫切除出血量和术中总出血量以及术中输血率均无明显差异(均P0.05),但是试验组患者的子宫切除时间和手术总时间显著长于对照组患者(t=2.934,P0.05;t=3.121,P0.05)。两组患者之间的术后排气、排便时间均无明显差异(均P0.05),提示两组患者术后直肠功能无明显差异;对照组患者的术后残余尿量100ml时间与术后残余尿量50ml时间均显著高于试验组患者(t=2.891,P0.05;t=3.092,P0.05)。术后试验组患者的首次排尿感和急迫排尿感以及最大腹压等均显著低于对照组患者(t=4.283,P0.05;t=4.027,P0.05;t=3.137,P0.05);而最大膀胱压和最大尿流量以及最大逼尿肌压等则显著高于对照组(t=3.192,P0.05;t=2.938,P0.05;t=3.572,P0.05)。结论:采取保留盆腔自主神经的根治性子宫切除术能够较好地减少宫颈癌患者临床并发症的出现,具有较好的治疗效果,值得加以推广和运用。     

Prevalence of HIV,Syphilis, HCV and Their High Risk Behaviors among Migrant Workers in Eastern China

Objective

The goal of this study was to understand the knowledge about AIDS, identify the correlates and determine the prevalence of HIV infection, syphilis, HCV among migrant workers in Zhejiang, China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using face-to-face anonymous questionnaire interviews was conducted and blood samples were collected for HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis C infection screening.

Results

17,377 (92.8%) of 18,730 migrant workers approached were interviewed. Among 17,377 participants, the HIV/AIDS knowledge rate was 66.2%. A total of 12,694 (73%) of the participants reported having ever had sexual intercourse, with 30.1% of single participants reporting having had sexual intercourse. Among those respondents with sexual experiences, 7.5% admitted they had two or more sexual partners and 4.9% reported having had sex with casual (unpaid) partners in the previous 12 months, whilst 3.7% had paid for sex. More than half of those who had paid for sex (59.4%) had not used a condom every time in their sexual acts with the sex workers. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that high risk sexual behavior (defined as sex with a casual or commercial sex partner without using a condom consistently) was associated with being divorced or widowed (P<0.05 for single); male gender; shorter duration of stay in Zhejiang; working in factory, market or domestic service (P<0.05 for odd job); having a province of origin inside Zhejiang; and drug use. The prevalence of HIV and HCV infections were 0.02% (95% CI: 0.01%–0.06%) and 0.40% (95%CI: 0.31%–0.51%), respectively. The prevalence of syphilis among those who were sexually active was 0.55% (95% CI: 0.43%–0.70%). Risk factors for syphilis included shorter duration of stay in Zhejiang, ethnic minority status, being divorced or widowed and having had multiple sex partners.

Conclusions

Much greater efforts are needed to promote safer sex, and programs for the control of syphilis need to be tailored for migrant workers in China.     

Sexual Dysfunction in Heroin Dependents: A Comparison between Methadone and Buprenorphine Maintenance Treatment

Introduction

Methadone has long been regarded as an effective treatment for opioid dependence. However, many patients discontinue maintenance therapy because of its side effects, with one of the most common being sexual dysfunction. Buprenorphine is a proven alternative to methadone. This study aimed to investigate sexual dysfunction in opioid-dependent men on buprenorphine maintenance treatment (BMT) and methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). The secondary aim was to investigate the correlation between sexual dysfunction and the quality of life in these patients.

Methods

Two hundred thirty-eight men participated in this cross-sectional study. Four questionnaires were used, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Opiate Treatment Index, Malay version of the International Index of Erectile Function 15 (Mal-IIEF-15), and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Scale. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to examine the relationship between MMT and BMT and the Mal-IIEF 15 scores while controlling for all the possible confounders.

Results

The study population consisted of 171 patients (71.8%) on MMT and 67 (28.2%) on BMT. Patients in the MMT group who had a sexual partner scored significantly lower in the sexual desire domain (p < 0.012) and overall satisfaction (p = 0.043) domain compared with their counterparts in the BMT group. Similarly, patients in the MMT group without a sexual partner scored significantly lower in the orgasmic function domain (p = 0.008) compared with those in the BMT group without a partner. Intercourse satisfaction (p = 0.026) and overall satisfaction (p = 0.039) were significantly associated with the social relationships domain after adjusting for significantly correlated sociodemographic variables.

Conclusions

Sexual functioning is critical for improving the quality of life in patients in an opioid rehabilitation program. Our study showed that buprenorphine causes less sexual dysfunction than methadone. Thus, clinicians may consider the former when treating heroin dependents who have concerns about sexual function.