The prevalence of the Neglected Sexual Side Effects (NSSEs) after early prostate cancer treatment and the role of a questionnaire in its diagnosis: A Scoping Review Protocol

Background: Early prostate cancer (PCa) treatment interventions may leave men with debilitating sexual side effects. These side effects may remain permanent, often undiagnosed and undermanaged. The objective of this study is to map the evidence pertaining to the prevalence, and use of questionnaires, related to the neglected sexual side effects (NSSE) after Pca treatment.Methods:This systematic scoping review’s search strategy will involve the following electronic databases: PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Following title searching, two-independent reviewers will conduct screening of abstracts and full articles. Thescreenings will be guided by the eligibility criteria. Data will be extracted from the included studies and the emerging themes will be analysed. The review team will analyse the implications of the findings in relation to the research question and aim of the study. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT) will be employed for quality appraisal of included studies.Discussion: We anticipate finding a small amount of studies pertaining to the prevalence and questionnaire use for NSSE after early PCa treatment. The study findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, peer presentations as well as presentations at relevant conferences