A multi center study survey to explore the relationship between intimacy, dyadic communication, and relationship satisfaction among Prostate Cancer survivors

Aim-

To understand the relationship between intimacy, dyadic communication, and satisfaction in relationships among prostate cancer survivors and their spouses, in a tertiary care center.

Objective(s)-

1. To explore the level of relationship intimacy, dyadic communication, and marital satisfaction among prostate cancer survivors and their partners.

2. To understand the effect of different sub-forms of dyadic communication and intimacy on relationship satisfaction.

Procedure-

Once approvals are obtained, data collection will begin by identifying participants from the Department of Medical Oncology at Kasturba Hospital and private practitioners nationwide. Oncologists will be contacted for permission, and upon approval, a QR code linked to a Google Form with the screening and assessment tools will be provided to the practitioners for data collection. The patients would be identified through the oncologists (both private practitioners and doctors working at hospitals like Kasturba Hospital, Manipal) and subsequently would be asked to fill out the form after their consent. Couples meeting the inclusion criteria will individually complete three scales (Dyadic Communication Pattern Questionnaire, Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships scale, and Relationship Satisfaction scale). Therefore, each partner would fill out all three above-mentioned scales and the scores would be analyzed separately. After filling out the online form, participants will be screened using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Those scoring 2 or less on GHQ-5 will be recruited for data analysis.

Tools-

1. General Health Questionnaire-12

The GHQ-12, widely used for assessing psychological well-being and screening for major mental illnesses, has demonstrated good criterion validity

2. Communication Patterns Questionnaire

35-item to study dyadic communication styles, including constructive communication, self-demand/partner-withdraw, mutual avoidance, and partner-demand/self-withdraw. Responses are rated on a 9-point Likert scale from 1 (extremely improbable) to 9 (very likely).

3. Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships (PAIR)

36-item to assess five types of intimacy: emotional, social, sexual, intellectual, and recreational. It uses a 5-point Likert scale, with scores ranging from 5 to 30. Higher scores indicate greater intimacy, while lower scores indicate less.

4. Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS)

Measures a person’s subjective assessment of a close relationship. The scale consists of seven items, each rated from 1 (poor satisfaction) to 5 (great satisfaction).