Examining the effect of a brief psychoeducation intervention based on self-regulation model on sexual satisfaction for women with breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial

Application of psycho-educational intervention to reduce menstrual-related distress among adolescent girls: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of psycho-educational intervention on severity of menstrual distress symptoms among adolescents with primary dysmenorrhea.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted from August 2019 to April 2020 comprising 120 adolescent girls. The study settings were high schools in Qazvin City. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention (n=60) and control groups (n=60) using a cluster randomization method. The intervention included three 60- to 90-min group psycho-educational sessions based on Leventhal's self-regulatory method. The sessions took place over three consecutive weeks with each group comprising 8-10 individuals. Menstrual distress (as the primary outcome), and illness perception and severity of dysmenorrhea (as the secondary outcomes), were assessed at four time points (pre-intervention, and three post-intervention assessments [one month, two months, and three months]).

RESULTS

A total of 54 individuals from the intervention group and 60 from the control group completed all follow-up measurements. Menstrual distress in the pre-menstruation phase significantly decreased among the intervention group at the three follow-ups (-5.41, -5.45, -4.97; all p<0.001). Menstrual distress in the menstruation phase significantly decreased among the intervention group at the three follow-ups (-11.75, -12.49, -12.38; all p<0.001). Dysmenorrhea pain intensity significantly decreased among the intervention group at the three follow-ups (-2.90, -3.49, -3.30; all p<0.001). Illness perception of dysmenorrhea significantly decreased among the intervention group. Mean differences of between group comparison (intervention vs. control) through follow-ups were -19.74, -22.56, -22.71 (all p<0.001). Based on the result of the RM ANOVA-ANCOVA model, the group effect was significant (p<0.001) with the intervention explaining 36.3 % of variance for change in menstrual distress in the pre-menstruation phase, 75 % of change in mean scores of menstrual distress in the menstruation phase, 78.5 % of variance for change in mean scores of dysmenorrhea, and 74.8 % of variance for change in mean scores of illness perception.

CONCLUSIONS

This intervention improved adolescent girls' menstrual distress, severity of dysmenorrhea, and illness perception regarding dysmenorrhea.

Effectiveness of non-surgical interventions to improve health and well-being in women living with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome: A systematic review

AIM

The aim of this paper is to present the evidence on the effectiveness of non-surgical interventions to improve health and well-being in women living with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome.

DESIGN

Systematic review guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews checklist.

DATA SOURCES

The search was conducted between June and September 2022 across the following databases: CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO and Cochrane. Trial registries (clinicaltrials. gov, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), Cochrane Controlled Trials Register-CCTR), Google scholar, dissertations, conference proceedings and reference lists of included studies were also searched. Corresponding authors, formal and informal MRKH groups were contacted to obtain any significant studies or reviews.

REVIEW METHODS

Eligible were only English-language empirical studies of any time period. The review followed narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were identified that fit the inclusion criteria which included 1540 MRKH syndrome affected women. Four studies were on psychological interventions (n = 85) and 19 studies (vaginal dilation therapy n = 897, coital dilation n = 57) focused on non-surgical vaginal dilation as a measure to vaginal agenesis in MRKH syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Clearly, vaginal dilation is a viable initial treatment option for women with MRKH syndrome. There is limited evidence that 'coital dilation' is an effective method of dilation for vaginal agenesis. The literature, however, supports the need for psychological intervention to improve health and well-being.

IMPACT

Women with MRKH syndrome who require dilation can receive guidance and support from their healthcare providers, particularly sexual and reproductive health nurses, clinical nurse specialists and gynaecologists. From the point of diagnosis, clinical psychologists should be involved. As much as feasible, family and partner support can be encouraged.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution.

The effects of common-sense model interventions on cancer patients: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

From the time of new diagnosis to treatment, cancer patients experience a variety of health problems that can affect the patient's health outcomes. Individuals with cancer are being given increasing responsibility for the self-management of their health and illness. The self-regulating common-sense model (CSM) is effective in patients' disease management. This article briefly introduces the common-sense model intervention, in which patients with cancer are affected by these interventions, what they are about, and what effects they have.

METHODS

The authors systematically review evidence for the common-sense model of self-regulation for cancer using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Based on a comprehensive literature search, we searched the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Embase, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, CNKI, and WanFang databases. The included studies underwent a quality assessment using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP).

RESULTS

Eleven empirical studies illustrated the aspects of common-sense model interventions for cancer patients. It is concluded that common-sense model intervention has an effect on symptoms in cancer treatment, behavior, and quality of life, but more studies are needed to verify the use of common-sense model intervention to explore in patients with different cancers. The systematic review summarized a four-point paradigm about intervention content, including assessing the current situation, setting goals, having a disease education and psychological adjustment, and getting feedback for further response. However, the application of intervention requires specific analysis of patient behavior and outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Common-sense model interventions are beneficial for the self-management of cancer patients; however, more intervention studies are needed to specify the cognitive, emotional, and coping styles of people with a particular cancer.

Psychosocial interventions to improve sexual functioning in women with cancer: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Many women with cancer struggle with sexual side effects during and after treatment. Although preliminary evidence indicates that psychosocial interventions may be efficacious in improving sexual functioning for women with cancer, no systematic review has summarized the state of the science in this area.

OBJECTIVES

The primary goal of this review was to narratively synthesize the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the efficacy of psychosocial interventions to address sexual dysfunction in women with cancer. A secondary goal was to describe the diversity of the included samples (ie, racial/ethnic and sexual minority).

METHODS

Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review was conducted examining RCTs of psychosocial interventions to improve sexual functioning for women with cancer. Articles were identified using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Two reviewers independently assessed each article for inclusion, with a third to resolve discrepancies.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were included in the review, 12 of which provided sufficient information to calculate effect sizes. Ten of the 12 studies primarily aimed to improve sexual functioning, all of which demonstrated positive effects on at least 1 outcome of sexual functioning. In the 2 RCTs of psychosocial interventions in which sexual function was a secondary aim, effects were negligible (ds = -0.04 and -0.15). Commonalities among the studies with large effect sizes were that they included education, mindfulness/acceptance, and communication/relationship skills as intervention components. Of note, there was an overall lack of sample diversity across studies, and most studies failed to report the race/ethnicity or sexual orientation of the participants.

CONCLUSION

Results support interventions targeting sexual functioning outcomes for women with cancer and suggest that multimodal interventions including education, mindfulness/acceptance, and communication/relationship skills may be most effective. Future research should also focus on examining the efficacy and potential adaptations of extant sexual functioning interventions for underrepresented groups.

The Effect of Psychoeducational Interventions on Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Studies

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of cancer patients. Psychoeducation is often used in the management of cancer-related fatigue.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to synthesize the effects of psychoeducational interventions on cancer-related fatigue.

METHODS

This article is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. The 11 electronic databases were searched, and studies using psychoeducational interventions to manage cancer-related fatigue were included. Data synthesis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software version 3.0. The random-effects model was used to pool the effect size for intervention. The subgroup analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of the characteristics of psychoeducational interventions. This study was reported according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention version 6.3 and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines.

RESULTS

This analysis included 10 studies with a total of 1369 participants. Most of the included studies compared the psychoeducational intervention group with the passive control group. Our meta-analysis revealed that psychoeducational intervention has a positive medium effect on improving cancer-related fatigue with a low quality of evidence. Subgroup analyses indicated no difference between group and individual interventions, between face-to-face and digital interventions, or between ≤3 and >3 sessions.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychoeducational interventions can improve cancer-related fatigue. Additional well-designed randomized controlled studies are needed to upgrade the quality of evidence for psychoeducational interventions on cancer-related fatigue.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Nurses may practice psychoeducational interventions to manage cancer-related fatigue and may use this study design for randomized controlled studies for psychoeducational interventions on cancer-related fatigue.

The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on Quality of Life and Incidence of Chemotherapy Side Effects in Women With Breast Cancer

Women with breast cancer (BC) experience multiple symptoms related to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) treatment that impair their functioning and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to explore the effect of high-intensity aerobic interval training (HIIT) on quality of life and NAC side effects in women with BC.

METHODS

56 patients (48.56 (7.84) years, range 35-64 years) diagnosed locally advanced (stage II-III) ER + BC receiving doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide-based NAC were randomly assigned to the HIIT group and a control group (CG) for 6 months. The HIIT group performed 2 to 3 HIIT sessions per week according to the study protocol (4 × 4 minutes at 85%-95% peak heart rate (HR)). The CG followed the standard of care instructions by the oncologists. To assess the QoL participants completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 with the additional BC module of QLQ BR-23. Weekly self-reports on NAC side effects were collected through online survey.

RESULTS

Study data were analyzed for 37 participants (nHIIT = 17, nCON = 20) who reported at least 14 (60%) weeks. HIIT was effective to reduce BC symptom scale outcomes (ES = 0.113, P = .048), and alleviate systemic therapy side effects (ES = 0.154, P = .020) and cancer related symptoms (ES = 0.124, P = .038). The most common side effect participants experienced at least 1 to 4 days/week was pain (average 50.9% and 56.8% for HIIT and CG, respectively), followed by sleep disturbances (average 50.9% and 49.9%, respectively). About 31% in both groups experienced sleep disturbances 5 to 7 days/week. The NAC induced physical, social and fatigue side effects had significantly lower incidence in HIIT group, while psychological side effects were significantly more common in training group.

CONCLUSIONS

HIIT is an effective physical exercise program to maintain higher quality of life and help to reduce some of NAC induced side effects for women with BC.

Effectiveness of online sexual education based on the extended PLISSIT model on sexual function and sexual satisfaction in women undergoing breast cancer treatment

BACKGROUND

Despite therapeutic interventions having increased the survival rate of women with breast cancer, sexual dysfunction occurs in cancer survivors due to treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of online sexual education, based on the Ex-PLISSIT model on sexual function and satisfaction, on women undergoing breast cancer treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was a quasi-experimental and interventional control study. It was conducted with a pretest-posttest design between April and July 2022 in Isfahan, Iran. The participants were divided into an intervention (n = 40) and a control group (n = 40). The intervention group received sexual education based on the Ex-PLISSIT model that consisted of four levels of intervention, namely, permission (P), limited information (LI), specific suggestions (SS), and intensive therapy (IT), presented in four sessions. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Larson's Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire were used to measure the sexual function and sexual satisfaction of the participants. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. P values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The results showed that the mean of sexual satisfaction and function scores in the intervention group significantly increased after intervention. Moreover, the results showed a statistically significant difference in the mean of sexual satisfaction scores between the intervention and control groups after intervention (P = 0.020). Although there was a difference between the mean of sexual function scores in the intervention and control groups after the intervention, the t-test showed no statistically significant difference (P = 0.176).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of the study, sexual education based on the Ex-PLISSIT model could effectively enhance sexual satisfaction of women undergoing breast cancer treatment. It seems that this model can help health care providers evaluate the sexual needs of the patients and provide appropriate suggestions in order to decrease sexual problems.

Effectiveness of nursing interventions on the sexual quality of life of patients with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although many studies have reported the effectiveness of nursing interventions on the sexual quality of life of patients with breast cancer, the results have not been synthesized. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of nursing interventions on the sexual quality of life of patients with breast cancer.

REVIEW METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in 11 databases from inception to October 7, 2021. Studies evaluating the effects of nursing interventions on sexual quality of life were included. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

This review pooled 38 studies with 3,664 participants. Meta-analysis results showed that nursing interventions significantly improved sexual quality of life, including sexual function (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.60-1.37], P < 0.001) and sexual satisfaction (SMD = 0.99, 95% CI = [0.41-1.57], P < 0.001). In addition, depression (SMD = -1.16, 95% CI = [-2.08--0.24], P = 0.01) and general quality of life (SMD = 0.20, 95% CI = [0.08-0.33], P = 0.002) were significantly improved, but body image (SMD = 0.17, 95% CI = [-0.08-0.41], P = 0.19) and anxiety (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI = [-0.93-0.02], P = 0.06) did not significantly improve. Subgroup analysis showed that nursing interventions had a stronger long-term effect on sexual function (SMD = 1.15, 95% CI = [0.51-1.80], P = P < 0.001) and was more effective in younger patients (SMD = 1.43, 95% CI = [0.63-2.23], P = P < 0.001). Nursing interventions showed a statistically significant short-term effect on sexual satisfaction (SMD = 1.32, 95% CI = [0.44-2.20], P = 0.003) and a significant effect in older patients (SMD = 1.27, 95% CI = [0.46-2.08], P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Nursing intervention may be an effective way to improve the sexual quality of life of patients with breast cancer. Nursing interventions had a stronger long-term effect on sexual function, and the group with the strongest effect is the younger patients. Nursing interventions showed a significant short-term effect on sexual satisfaction, and older patients had significant improvement in sexual satisfaction.

Psychological interventions for sexual function and satisfaction of women with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions for women with breast cancer on sexual function, sexual satisfaction, sexual relationships, sexual distress and sexual quality of life.

BACKGROUND

Sexual dysfunction is common in women with breast cancer and seriously affects their quality of life and marital harmony. Several studies have explored the effects of psychological interventions related to sexual function of women with breast cancer, but results were inconclusive.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

METHOD

A search of PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, ClinicalTrials.gov. and Open Grey was conducted from inception to 9 May 2021. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data and conducted a quality appraisal of included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies involving 1307 participants were included. The current study showed that psychological interventions made statistically significant improvements in sexual function (SMD = 0.82; 95% CI = [0.43, 1.20]; p < .001), sexual satisfaction (SMD = 0.95; 95% CI = [0.19, 1.72]; p = .01), sexual relationships (SMD = 0.37; 95% CI = [0.15, 0.60]; p = .001) and sexual distress (MD = -5.05; 95% CI = [-7.88, -2.22]; p = .0005) of women with breast cancer. A subgroup analysis regarding the types of psychological interventions indicated that cognitive behavioural therapy and psychoeducational therapy were beneficial to sexual function and satisfaction, and psychosexual counselling could also improve sexual function.

CONCLUSION

Psychological interventions, especially psychoeducational therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy, are effective for improving the sexual health of women with breast cancer.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This current study provides evidence for the application of psychosexual interventions in women with breast cancer.

REGISTRATION

The study has been registered on the PROSPERO on 6 June 2021, with the registration number CRD42021253493.

Sexual Satisfaction and Cognitive Schemas Activated in a Sexual Context among Iranian Married Women of Reproductive Age

The present study examined the relationship between sexual satisfaction (SS) and cognitive schemas activated in sexual context. In a cross-sectional study, the participants comprised 313 Iranian married women (mean age of 36.7 years and mean marriage duration of 12.4 years). Data were collected utilizing an online survey comprising the Index of Sexual Satisfaction, the Cognitive Schema Activated in Sexual Context Questionnaire, and a number of sociodemographic questions. A linear regression model utilizing the stepwise method was performed. The mean score of cognitive schemas relating to sexual problems was 35.56 (out of 140; SD = 14.68) with the highest mean in the Difference/Loneliness subscale (higher scores indicating greater negative schema activation). The mean score of sexual satisfaction on the ISS was 96.80 (out of 125; SD = 16.77). The highest scores of cognitive schemas relating to sexual problems were observed among individuals with low sexual satisfaction. Based on a multivariable linear regression model, age (β = 0.33), spouse social support (β = 0.23), and spouse job (β = 0.21) had the highest regression coefficients in relation to sexual satisfaction among Iranian married women. Cognitive schemas activated in a sexual context were strongly and significantly associated with sexual satisfaction among Iranian married women of reproductive age. The findings suggest that schema therapy techniques be used alongside initiatives to promote spouse social support to help prevent problematic sexual cognitive schemas.

[French linguistic validation of the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS)]

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to propose a French version of the Index of Sexual Satisfaction (ISS).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The translation from English to French of the ISS was performed independently by three pediatric surgeons whose mother tongue is French. Then, an English speaker, fluent in French, who was unaware of the original questionnaire, translated the reconciled French version of the ISS into English.

RESULTS

The final French version was successfully tested on 25 French-speaking volunteers.

CONCLUSION

We present a validated translation of the Sexual Satisfaction Index.

The Effect of Psychoeducation on Self-Efficacy and Motivation for Taking Treatment in Breast Cancer Patients (Ca Mammae)

Introduction: Besides being a physiological problem, breast cancer is also a psychological problem. Breast cancer patients are prone to   anxiety, depression, stress, fear, and other psychological problems. Prolonged psychological problems that are not resolved lead to impaired self-confidence and motivation to undergo treatment, which has a negative impact on health. Psychoeducation as a psychological therapy as well as providing education is used as a therapy that aims to overcome the psychological problems of breast cancer patients.Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental research design. The population in this study was breast cancer patients (ca mammae) at Prof. Dr. Margono Soekardjo Purwokerto. The sample of this study was 50 respondents obtained with purposive sampling technique. The independent variable of this study is psychoeducation and the dependent variables are self-efficacy and motivation. Data were collected using a general self-efficacy questionnaire and intrinsic motivation inventory as well as an observation sheet. Data were analyzed using the Paired T-Test and Independent Test statistical tests with a level of significance 𝛼≤0.05.Results: There was an effect of psychoeducation to self-efficacy and motivation (p= 0.000; p=0.000.Conclusion: This study shows that psychoeducation affects self-efficacy and motivation to undergo treatment in breast cancer patients (ca mammae). Psychoeducation provides information related to breast cancer and stress management methods so that it can increase self-efficacy and motivation to undergo treatment for breast cancer patients.