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Granero-Molina J, Jiménez-Lasserrotte MDM, Arias Hoyos C, Sánchez MJT, Fernández-Sola C, Ruiz-Fernández MD. Sexuality and self-concept of morbidly obese women who are sexually attracted to men after bariatric surgery: a phenomenological study. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:174. [PMID: 38481251 PMCID: PMC10936016 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03014-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morbid Obesity (MO) is a public health problem that affects a person's physical, psychological and sexual well-being. Women with MO are affected by their body image and self-concept, and obesity stigma may affect women in social and sexual relationships. OBJECTIVE To describe and understand the experiences of morbidly obese heterosexual women (who are sexually attracted to men) in relation to their body image and sexuality after bariatric surgery. METHODOLOGY Qualitative study using Merleau-Ponty's hermeneutic phenomenology as a philosophical framework. Data collection took place between 2020 and 2021 in a southern Spanish province. A total of 22 in-depth interviews were conducted using open-ended questions until data saturation was reached. RESULTS Two main themes were identified: (1) "Escaping from a cruel environment": weight loss to increase self-esteem; with the sub-themes: 'I love myself now', and 'Body image and social relationships; a vicious circle; (2) "Now, I am truly me": accepting my body to reclaim my sexuality, with the sub-themes: 'The body as the focal point of sexuality', and 'When regaining your sex drive reignites your sex life and relationship'. CONCLUSION Weight loss and body acceptance radically change morbidly obese women's sex lives after bariatric surgery. They rediscover their bodies, have increased self-esteem, and see improvements in their social relationships and sexuality. These women feel seen, loved and desired, and now value their body image and femininity. As they go through continuous improvements following bariatric surgery, they gradually regain self-esteem, acceptance of their bodies and control over their sex life. Even though the women's partners benefit from these improvements, they seem to be afraid of being left.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Granero-Molina
- Physiotheraphy and Medicine Department, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Chile, Santiago, 7500000, Spain
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Kuiper ST, Zweers D, Suelmann BBM, Meijer RP, Vervoort SCJM. Perspectives and Concerns on Late Effects Regarding Sexuality among Adolescents and Young Adults Treated for Testicular Germ Cell Tumor: The PRICELESS-Study-A Qualitative Study. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:715. [PMID: 38398106 PMCID: PMC10886665 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore perspectives and concerns regarding sexuality among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) possibly experiencing late effects after testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) treatment. A qualitative study was performed in which semi-structured interviews were held with thirteen AYAs from a center of expertise for TGCT in the Netherlands. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clark's thematic analysis method. Seven interacting and interconnected themes were found: desire to have children, rediscovering sexuality, insecurity about sexual performance, acceptance of physical change, loss of masculinity, burden on relationship, and openness in discussing sexuality. Concerns about the desire to have children seem to play a significant role. In conclusion, TGCT patients face multiple changes (physical, emotional, relational, and sexual), followed by a difficult period of acceptance, after which a new phase of rediscovering sexuality appeared. These findings can help to make healthcare professionals aware of the underlying mechanisms and concerns about sexuality. Furthermore, insights can help to develop sexuality-themed items for a broader monitoring tool to structurally assess the late effects to support discussing sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan T. Kuiper
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, General Practice & Nursing Science, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Daniëlle Zweers
- Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (D.Z.); (B.B.M.S.)
| | - Britt B. M. Suelmann
- Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (D.Z.); (B.B.M.S.)
| | - Richard P. Meijer
- Oncological Urology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Sigrid C. J. M. Vervoort
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, General Practice & Nursing Science, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands;
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Imhagen A, Karlsson J, Jansson S, Anderzén-Carlsson A. A lifelong struggle for a lighter tomorrow: A qualitative study on experiences of obesity in primary healthcare patients. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:834-846. [PMID: 35655375 PMCID: PMC10084391 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To describe experiences of living with obesity before the start of a group-based lifestyle intervention. BACKGROUND Obesity is a chronic disease that affects a person's physical and psychological health. Increased knowledge of experiences of living with obesity is required. DESIGN A qualitative study with a descriptive design. METHODS Semi-structured individual interviews with 17 participants living with obesity (Body Mass Index 32-49) were conducted between October and November 2019. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The COREQ checklist was followed. RESULTS The analysis resulted in one main theme: Struggling for a lighter tomorrow and three subthemes: Suffering, Resilience and Need for support in making changes. For the majority of the participants, living with obesity was a lifelong struggle involving suffering on different levels. Yet despite this, the participants had not given up and hoped for a better life. They showed a degree of resilience and motivation, and a perceived ability to achieve lifestyle changes. However, there was a pronounced need for support to help them achieve this. CONCLUSION Living with obesity is complex and carries a risk of medical complications as well as psychosocial suffering. Healthy lifestyle habits to achieve better health and to lose weight should be encouraged, taking patient resources into account. Patients also need help in handling weight stigmatisation, and both healthcare professionals and society must engage with this. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Obesity is a chronic disease, and patients need ongoing support. Therefore, care for patients with obesity in primary health care must be further developed. Patient resources and strengths have to be acknowledged and encouraged in the process of helping them adopt healthy lifestyle habits. The findings of this study can contribute to ending weight stigmatisation by increasing the knowledge of living with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Imhagen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Jan Karlsson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Stefan Jansson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Agneta Anderzén-Carlsson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Health Care Research Center, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Temel M, Boyacıoğlu NE, Çaynak S, Çaynak M. Psychosocial and Sexual Life in Morbidly Obese Individuals Following Bariatric Surgery: A Qualitative Study. Bariatr Surg Pract Patient Care 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/bari.2022.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Münire Temel
- Department of Social Service and Counsultancy, Vocational School of Social Sciences, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal Üniversitesi, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Nur Elçin Boyacıoğlu
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sibel Çaynak
- Department of Operating Room Services, Vocational School of Health Services, Antalya Bilim University, Antalya, Turkey
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Granero-Molina J, Torrente-Sánchez MJ, Ferrer-Márquez M, Hernández-Padilla JM, Sánchez-Navarro M, Ruiz-Muelle A, Ruiz-Fernández MD, Fernández-Sola C. Sexuality amongst heterosexual women with morbid obesity in a bariatric surgery programme: A qualitative study. J Adv Nurs 2021; 77:4537-4548. [PMID: 34252209 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The objective of this study is to describe and understand the experiences of sexuality amongst heterosexual women with morbid obesity (MO) who are in a bariatric surgery program. BACKGROUND Morbid obesity is a chronic, metabolic disease that affects women's physical, psychological and sexual health. MO is associated with anxiety, depression and body image disorders. Bariatric surgery is a reliable method for weight loss in people with MO. DESIGN A qualitative descriptive study research design was adopted. METHODS Twenty-one heterosexual women with MO in a bariatric surgery program were recruited through purposive sampling. Data collection included individual semi-structured interviews conducted between November 2018 and May 2019. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a computer-assisted qualitative data. FINDINGS Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) trapped in a body that limits my sexuality; (2) between neglect and hope and (3) the partner as a source of support for sexuality in women with MO. CONCLUSION Women hide a body that they do not accept and ignore their own sexuality, focusing on that of their partner. Although the women have doubts about their partners' desire for them, they share the decision-making process with them whilst waiting for bariatric surgery, on which they place all of their hopes for improved sexuality and quality of life. IMPACT The findings highlight the importance of exploring the experiences and sexual issues faced by heterosexual women with MO in a bariatric surgery program. Bariatric nurses have a privileged position to assess these women's sexuality, recommend alternatives to sexual intercourse or refer them to sexologists. As part of the multidisciplinary team, nurses can contribute to managing the expectations of women with MO and their partners in relation to the improvement of their sex lives following bariatric surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Granero-Molina
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Almería, Spain.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Manuel Ferrer-Márquez
- Bariatric Surgery Unit, Hospital HLA Mediterráneo, Almería, Spain.,Bariatric Surgery Unit, Hospital Universitario Torrecárdenas, Almería, Spain
| | - José Manuel Hernández-Padilla
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Almería, Spain.,Adult, Child and Midwifery Department, School of Health and Education, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | | | - Alicia Ruiz-Muelle
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | | | - Cayetano Fernández-Sola
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Almería, Spain.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Social Support for People with Morbid Obesity in a Bariatric Surgery Programme: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126530. [PMID: 34204427 PMCID: PMC8297395 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background—Morbid obesity (MO) is a chronic metabolic disease affecting physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Bariatric surgery is a reliable method for losing weight in the long term, improving the quality of life, body image and social life of people with MO. Current literature recognises the importance of social support in controlling weight and coping with MO. The objective of this study was to describe and understand experiences related to social support for patients with MO included in a bariatric surgery programme. Methods—A qualitative descriptive study, where data collection included thirty-one interviews with people diagnosed with MO involved in a bariatric surgery programme. Results—Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) accepting the problem in order to ask for help, (2) the need for close support and (3) professional support: opposing feelings. Conclusions—A partner, family and friends are the key pillars of social support for those with MO included in a bariatric surgery programme. Healthcare professionals gave formal support; the bariatric surgery team provided information, trust and assurance. Nurses provided healthcare 24 h a day, making them the main formal support for people in the bariatric surgery programme.
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