Identifying the psychosexual implications of radical radiation treatment in prostate cancer

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was any evidence of psychosexual morbidity among men who experienced radical radiation treatment for prostate cancer. With relatively little known or available retrospective data on the psychosexual implications of radical radiation treatment in men with prostate cancer, this study posited eight research questions which provided the basis for the research. Fifty men from Southern Ontario, between the ages of 52 to 78 years, were included in the study. They had been previously randomized to a clinical trial comparing radical radiation therapy by external beam radiation, or radical radiation using a combination of a temporary iridium implant plus external beam radiation, for localized or locally advanced prostate cancer. Assessment of sexual functioning, drive, attitudes, body image, and sexual satisfaction was drawn from a multidimensional approach, since psychosexuality was viewed as having an impact on biological, psychological, and sociological domains of functioning. Medical chart reviews, semi-structured interviews, demographical profiles of each participant, and the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory (DSFI) were the methods used to collect data over a four-month period. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were incorporated in the design and evaluation of the study. Frequencies, contingency analysis, Pearson's coefficient of correlation, t-tests, and ANOVA comprised the quantitative analysis. Data obtained from audio-taped interviews were analyzed qualitatively, and used for offering further insight and for facilitating the quantitative aspect of the analysis. Overall, there was sufficient evidence to suggest psychosexual morbidity among men who were treated with radiation therapy for prostate cancer. As well,there were a number of significant findings available to answer all of the posited research questions. The most significant findings were noted in post-treatment erectile ability and sexual activity. A post-treatment change in erectile ability was reported by eighty percent of men. Sixty percent of men noted a decrease in their ability to achieve an erection by reporting some morning stiffness only, penile rigidity insufficient for penetration, decreased control of erection, and loss of spontaneous erection. Other contributing factors associated with change in erectile status were: pain or altering sensation of orgasm, blood in ejaculate, pain and decreased amount of ejaculate, and penile numbness or pain. Eighty-two percent of men experienced a post-treatment change in sexual function, primarily due to the impact of decreasing erectile status. Only seven men reported that they experienced a decrease in desire mentally, whereas the vast majority did not experience any change in desire. Changes in foreplay, stress with optimal sexual positioning, and reduced spontaneity of sex, were other factors reported with the changes in sexual activity. The findings in this study broaden our understanding of what middle- to later-aged men feel and experience as they venture onward following treatment. This was the first study that evaluated available prospective data on pre-treatment erectile status and sexual activity. As well, this study was the first (with participant compliance rates of 100 percent) to have included an interview format to capture the views of such a large number of men. This study concluded with recommendations and implications for future research and practice as we move in the direction of understanding what is necessary for preserving psychosexual well being and enhancing quality of life in men treated with radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

Examining sport commitment and intentions to participate in intramural sports : application of the Sport Commitment Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour in a campus recreational sport setting

Fifty-six percent of Canadians, 20 years of age and older, are inactive (Canadian Community Health Survey, 200012001). Research has indicated that one of the most dramatic declines in population physical activity occurs between adolescence and young adulthood (Melina, 2001; Stephens, Jacobs, & White, 1985), a time when individuals this age are entering or attending college or university. Colleges and universities have generally been seen as environments where physical activity and sport can be promoted and accommodated as a result of the available resources and facilities (Archer, Probert, & Gagne, 1987; Suminski, Petosa, Utter, & Zhang, 2002). Intramural sports, one of the most common campus recreational sports options available for post-secondary students, enable students to participate in activities that are suited for different levels of ability and interest (Lewis, Jones, Lamke, & Dunn, 1998). While intramural sports can positively affect the physical activity levels and sport participation rates of post-secondary students, their true value lies in their ability to encourage sport participation after school ends and during the post-school lives of graduates (Forrester, Ross, Geary, & Hall, 2007). This study used the Sport Commitment Model (Scanlan et aI., 1993a) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (Ajzen, 1991) with post secondary intramural volleyball participants in an effort to examine students' commitment to intramural sport and 1 intentions to participate in intramural sports. More specifically, the research objectives of this study were to: (1.) test the Sport Commitment Model with a sample of postsecondary intramural sport participants(2.) determine the utility of the sixth construct, social support, in explaining the sport commitment of post-secondary intramural sport participants; (3.) determine if there are any significant differences in the six constructs of IV the SCM and sport commitment between: gender, level of competition (competitive A vs. B), and number of different intramural sports played; (4.) determine if there are any significant differences between sport commitment levels and constructs from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and intentions); (5.) determine the relationship between sport commitment and intention to continue participation in intramural volleyball, continue participating in intramurals and continuing participating in sport and physical activity after graduation; and (6.) determine if the level of sport commitment changes the relationship between the constructs from the Theory of Planned Behaviour. Of the 318 surveys distributed, there were 302 partiCipants who completed a usable survey from the sample of post-secondary intramural sport participants. There was a fairly even split of males and females; the average age of the students was twenty-one; 90% were undergraduate students; for approximately 25% of the students, volleyball was the only intramural sport they participated in at Brock and most were part of the volleyball competitive B division. Based on the post-secondary students responses, there are indications of intent to continue participation in sport and physical activity. The participation of the students is predominantly influenced by subjective norms, high sport commitment, and high sport enjoyment. This implies students expect, intend and want to 1 participate in intramurals in the future, they are very dedicated to playing on an intramural team and would be willing to do a lot to keep playing and students want to participate when they perceive their pursuits as enjoyable and fun, and it makes them happy. These are key areas that should be targeted and pursued by sport practitioners.

Aerial view of the Hutton Sports Center, Chapman College, Orange, California

Aerial view of the Hutton Sports Center, 219 E. Sycamore Street, Chapman College, Orange, California. The Harold Hutton Sports Center, completed in 1978, is named in honor of this former trustee, and made possible by a gift from his widow, Betty Hutton Williams. Renovated in the mid-1990s.

Architectural drawing for the Hutton Sports Center, Chapman College, Orange, California

Architectural drawing for the Hutton Sports Center, 219 E. Sycamore St., Chapman College, Orange, California. The Harold Hutton Sports Center, completed in 1978, is named in honor of this former trustee, and made possible by a gift from his wife, Betty Hutton Williams.

Groundbreaking for the Hutton Sports Center, Chapman College, Orange, California, March 22, 1977

Groundbreaking for the Hutton Sports Center, Chapman College, Orange, California, March 22, 1977. Left to right are Davis T. Chamberlin, Ross McClintock, Mrs. Harold Hutton, J. Robert Fluor II, George Argyros, Rich Rider.The Harold Hutton Sports Center, completed in 1978, is named in honor of this former trustee, and made possible by a gift from his wife, Betty Hutton Williams.

Davis L. Chamberlin, Betty Hutton, and George Argyros with cake for the Hutton Sports Center groundbreaking, March 22, 1977

Davis L. Chamberlin, Betty Hutton, and George Argyros with cake for the Hutton Sports Center groundbreaking, March 22, 1977. The Hutton Sports Center, 219 E. Sycamore St., Chapman College, Orange, California was completed in 1978, named in honor of this former trustee, and made possible by a gift from his widow, Betty Hutton Williams.

George Argyros, Betty Hutton, and G. T. "Buck" Smith at the dedication of Hutton Sports Center

George Argyros, Betty Hutton Williams, and G. T. "Buck" Smith at the dedication of Hutton Sports Center, 219 E. Sycamore St., Chapman College, Orange, California, on Founders' Day, November 10, 1979. The Harold Hutton Sports Center, completed in 1978, is named in honor of this former trustee, and made possible by a gift from his widow, Betty Hutton Williams.

Bandleader Les Brown with Trustee Jack Duddy at the dedication of the Hutton Sports Center, Chapman College, Orange, California

Bandleader Les Brown with Trustee Jack Duddy at the dedication of the Hutton Sports Center, 219 E. Sycamore St., Chapman College, Orange, California, November 10, 1979. The Harold Hutton Sports Center, completed in 1978, is named in honor of this former trustee, and made possible by a gift from his wife, Betty Hutton Williams.

Construction of the Hutton Sports Center, Chapman College, Orange, California, 1977

Construction of the Hutton Sports Center, 219 E. Sycamore St., Chapman College, Orange, California, 1977. The Harold Hutton Sports Center, completed in 1978, is named in honor of this former trustee, and made possible by a gift from his wife, Betty Hutton Williams.

Hutton Sports Center, Chapman College, Orange, California

Hutton Sports Center, 219 E. Sycamore St., Chapman College, Orange, California, January, 1980. The Harold Hutton Sports Center, completed in 1978, is named in honor of this former trustee, and made possible by a gift from his wife, Betty Hutton Williams. Renovated in the mid 1990s.

Weight room, Hutton Sports Center, Chapman College, Orange, California

Weight room, Hutton Sports Center, 219 E. Sycamore St., Chapman College, Orange, California, March, 1979. The Harold Hutton Sports Center, completed in 1978, is named in honor of this former trustee, and made possible by a gift from his wife, Betty Hutton Williams.

Sculpture by R. Bret Price and Harold Hutton Sports Center, Chapman College, Orange, California

Sculpture by R. Bret Price in front of the Harold Hutton Sports Center, 219 E. Sycamore St., Chapman College, Orange, California. The Harold Hutton Sports Center completed in 1978, is named in honor of this former trustee, and made possible by a gift from his wife, Betty Hutton Williams. Image used for holiday card by Chapman College president G. T. "Buck" Smith and his wife Joni.

Entrance, Hutton Sports Center, Chapman College, Orange, California

Entrance, Hutton Sports Center, 219 E. Sycamore St., Chapman College, Orange, California. The Harold Hutton Sports Center, completed in 1978, is named in honor of this former trustee, and made possible by a gift from his wife, Betty Hutton Williams.