Effects of psychosocial interventions on sexual function, quality of life, and stress in women with gynecologic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of psychosocial interventions on sexual function, quality of life, and stress levels in women with gynecologic cancer. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and the YÖK Thesis Center were searched between June and July 2024 without year restriction. Randomized controlled and quasi-experimental studies evaluating psychosocial interventions were included. Data were synthesized using meta-analysis and narrative synthesis. Outcomes were synthesized separately for sexual function, quality of life, and stress. Results: Seven studies were included in the analysis. Psychosocial interventions significantly improved sexual function (SMD: 0.868; 95% CI: 0.021 to 1.715; Z = 2.008; p = 0.045; I2 = 89.97%) and quality of life (SMD: 0.709; 95% CI: 0.060 to 1.358; Z = 2.142; p = 0.032; I2 = 88.61%) in women with gynecologic cancer. However, psychosocial interventions did not demonstrate a significant effect on stress levels (SMD: − 1.126; 95% CI: − 2.649 to 0.397; Z = − 1.449; p = 0.147; I2 = 95.65%). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that psychosocial interventions are associated with improvements in sexual function and quality of life among women with gynecologic cancer, whereas no statistically significant reduction in stress was observed. Although substantial between-study heterogeneity was present, the overall evidence supports the integration of psychosocial approaches into supportive oncology nursing care.