1
|
Brotto LA, Walker L, Sears C, Woo S, Millman R, Zdaniuk B. A randomized comparison of online mindfulness-based group sex therapy vs supportive group sex education to address sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors. J Sex Med 2024; 21:452-463. [PMID: 38465848 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual difficulties and vaginal pain are common following treatment for breast cancer. AIM The goal of this study was to evaluate an online mindfulness-based group sex therapy vs an online supportive sex education group therapy to address these sexual difficulties. METHODS Breast cancer survivors (n = 118) were randomized to 1 of the 2 arms; 116 provided informed consent and completed the time 1 assessment. Treatment included 8 weekly 2-hour online group sessions. Those randomized to the mindfulness group completed daily mindfulness exercises, and those in the comparison arm read and completed exercises pertaining to sex education. OUTCOMES Assessments were repeated at posttreatment and 6 months after the completion of the group. RESULTS There was a main effect of treatment on primary endpoints of sexual desire, sexual distress, and vaginal pain, with all outcomes showing significant improvements, with no differential impact by treatment arm. Secondary endpoints of interoceptive awareness, mindfulness, and rumination about sex also significantly improved with both treatments, with no group-by-time interaction. CONCLUSION Both mindfulness-based sex therapy and supportive sex education delivered in group format online are effective for improving many facets of sexual function, vaginal pain, rumination, mindfulness, and interoceptive awareness in breast cancer survivors. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS We used a randomized methodology. Future studies should seek to diversify participants. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS These findings highlight the need to offer similar treatments to more breast cancer survivors immediately after and in the years following cancer treatment as a means of improving survivorship quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Lauren Walker
- Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2, Canada
| | - Carly Sears
- Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Shannon Woo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Roanne Millman
- Private Practice, West Coast Centre for Sex Therapy , Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3H4, Canada
| | - Bozena Zdaniuk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Foroughi A, Khanjani S, Moghadam MS, Parvizifard A. The psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Demoralization Scale (DS-II) in women with breast cancer. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF ISFAHAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 29:14. [PMID: 38808221 PMCID: PMC11132418 DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_94_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Background Demoralization is a syndrome of existential distress and despair in patients with cancer and other severe medical illnesses. The Demoralization Scale (DS-II) is self-administered and contains 16 items, and it has two factors: meaning and purpose and distress and coping ability. Materials and Methods Women with breast cancer (240) completed the scales DS-II, positive and negative affect, state hope, patient health, and quality of life. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and divergent and convergent validity were used to measure the construct validity of DS-II. CFA was chosen to check the fit of the two-factor model. Divergent and convergent validity were investigated using Pearson's correlation test. The reliability of DS-II was evaluated by the internal consistency method. Cronbach's alpha was used to calculate the internal consistency of the DS-II. Results The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the subscales of meaning and purpose, distress and coping ability, and the total score was obtained: 0.67, 0.72, and 0.81, respectively, indicated this scale's good reliability. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation coefficient results showed the appropriate convergent validity and good divergent validity of the DS-II. Conclusion The DS-II has sound psychometric properties and can be recommended as a reliable tool for assessing demoralization in women with breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aliakbar Foroughi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Sajad Khanjani
- Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences in Police, Directorate of Health, Rescue and Treatment, Police Headquarter, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Aliakbar Parvizifard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Carney LM, Schnur JB, Morgan O, Hyun C, Magin ZE, Martin L, Montgomery GH. Psychosocial interventions to improve sexual functioning in women with cancer: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:142-153. [PMID: 38185918 PMCID: PMC10986159 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Carney
- Center for Behavioral Oncology, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Julie B Schnur
- Center for Behavioral Oncology, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Orly Morgan
- Department of Medical Education, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, United States
| | - Christine Hyun
- Center for Behavioral Oncology, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Zachary E Magin
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, United States
| | - Lily Martin
- Levy Library, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Guy H Montgomery
- Center for Behavioral Oncology, Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Soleymani Moghadam M, Parvizifard A, Foroughi A, Ahmadi SM, Farshchian N. An investigation of the effect of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function in Iranian women with breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:128. [PMID: 38485807 PMCID: PMC10940429 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05655-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is an extremely unpleasant and unbearable experience that can have a profound impact on a person's life. Compared to other types of cancer, breast cancer has a more severe psychological impact on women. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the effect of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function in Iranian women with breast cancer. METHOD A sample of 30 women with breast cancer were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The research was conducted in the oncology division of Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah by the clinical trial method with a two-group pretest-posttest design and a 2 month follow-up. Participants in the intervention group received Mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy for eight sessions. The intervention was carried out individually in weekly 60 min sessions. While the control group received self-help treatment (through an educational book). A demographic questionnaire, Demoralization Scale (DS-II), Body Image Scale (BIS), and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to collect data. For data analysis, means and standard deviations were calculated and repeated measures and the Bonferroni test was conducted using SPSS 26. RESULTS The results showed the effectiveness of mindfulness-integrated cognitive behavior therapy on demoralization, body image, and sexual function (p < 0.05). Concerning demoralization in the intervention group, the pre-test mean was 16.73 ± 3.33, and it reduced to 11.93 ± 1.49 in the post-test. The body image mean score showed a decreasing trend in the intervention group, from 12.47 ± 1.88 in the pre-test to 8.80 ± 3.21 in the post-test. The mean score for sexual function showed an increasing trend, increasing from 18.06 ± 2.29 in the pre-test to 23.07 ± 0.91 in the post-test. There was no significant difference in the mean score of the post-test compared to the pre-test and follow-up in the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION MICBT can be used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals and medical treatments to improve the psychological symptoms of women with breast cancer, according to this study's results. Trial registration (IRCT20160103025817N6). 2022-04-06.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aliakbar Parvizifard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Aliakbar Foroughi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Seyed Mojtaba Ahmadi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Negin Farshchian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A Systematic Review Exploring the Effectiveness of Mindfulness for Sexual Functioning in Women with Cancer. PSYCH 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/psych5010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual intimacy is a basic human need that is associated with quality of life whereby its absence can significantly impact both interpersonal and personal wellbeing. This systematic review aimed to provide an up-to-date evaluation of the available literature on mindfulness treatments for sexual functioning in women diagnosed with cancer. Electronic searches including PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and registered clinical trials yielded 10 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that treatment intervention designs varied and included mixed methods, randomised clinical trials, single arm non-randomised trials and those with the absence of any control. Furthermore, both brief and longer-term mindfulness interventions were trialled across different sexual domains. Whilst inconclusive, mindfulness-based interventions appear to support sexual function and quality of life in both early- and post-cancer survivors. However, in some instances, there were outcome inconsistencies in sexual desire, arousal and orgasm. This review has identified a current shortage in research on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based treatments for supporting sexual functioning in women with cancer; and so far, no research has been conducted in palliative care. This unmet need in supporting sexual functioning in women with cancer, including palliative care, carries important implications for both psychosexual and oncological healthcare services as sexual intimacy does not end with cancer diagnosis or prognosis.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mohammadzadeh Z, Eghtedar S, Ayatollahi H, Jebraeily M. Effectiveness of a self-management mobile app on the quality of life of women with breast cancer: a study in a developing country. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:446. [PMID: 36368982 PMCID: PMC9652046 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-02020-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-management involves taking responsibility for personal health and taking the initiative to do so. This can be accomplished by learning information and skills that will help consider the difficulties may encounter during and after cancer treatment. With this perspective, we have aimed to develop a self-management mobile app for women with breast cancer in Iran and evaluate its impact on the quality of life of patients. Method This study is a methodological study in 2021. We developed the app during three phases. The first phase aimed at identifying educational content and designing user experience, the second phase aimed at developing and implementing the app, and the third phase aimed at evaluating pre-and post-implementation. Result In this study, an Android app for self-management women with breast cancer was developed. According to the results of the pre-and post-implementations among the most significant changes were in the quality of life level, highest respectively: social avoidance (Pre: 6.41–Post: 3.56), negative feelings (Pre: 5.93 - Post: 3.40), sexual function (Pre: 6.80 - Post: 5.04), sexual interest (Pre: 6.41 - Post: 4.75) and pain (Pre: 6.37 - Post: 4.97). And least the changes respectively: distress-family (Pre: 7 - Post: 7), distress-recurrence (Pre: 4.49 - Post: 4.38), benefits (Pre: 2.47 - Post: 3.12), appearance (Pre: 4.10 - Post: 3.32). Also, we calculated the usability evaluation of this app with the system usability scale (SUS); the overall rating score was 83/100, an excellent level (> 80.3), and a grade A. Conclusion The study shows that a breast cancer self-management app can support and improve the quality of life of women with breast cancer. We conducted this study to show that by developing a self-management app, women with breast cancer can improve their quality of life, − by increasing their self-management skills. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-022-02020-5.
Collapse
|
7
|
Lu J, Chen XM, Xie KH. Effectiveness of nursing interventions on the sexual quality of life of patients with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277221. [PMID: 36327334 PMCID: PMC9632802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Lu
- School of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Min Chen
- Nursing Department, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Kai Hong Xie
- School of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chang YC, Lin GM, Yeh TL, Chang YM, Yang CH, Lo C, Yeh CY, Hu WY. Impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction on female sexual function and mental health in patients with breast cancer. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:4315-4325. [PMID: 35092484 PMCID: PMC8799961 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06540-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Purpose There have been few studies using mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) to improve sexual function in Asian women with breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mindfulness intervention on female sexual function, mental health, and quality of life in patients with breast cancer. Methods Fifty-one women with breast cancer were allocated into 6-week MBSR (n=26) sessions or usual care (n=25), without differences in group characteristics. The research tools included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), and the EuroQol instrument (EQ-5D). The Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS) was used to verify the foregoing scale. The effects of MBSR were evaluated by the differences between the post- and pre-intervention scores in each scale. Statistical analyses consisted of the descriptive dataset and Mann-Whitney ranked-pairs test. Results Although MBSR did not significantly improve sexual desire and depression in patients with breast cancer, MBSR could improve parts of female sexual function [i.e., Δarousal: 5.73 vs. -5.96, Δlubrication: 3.35 vs. -3.48, and Δsatisfaction: 8.48 vs. 1.76; all p <.005], with a range from small to medium effect sizes. A significantly benefits were found on mental health [Δanxiety: -10.92 vs.11.36 and Δstress: -10.96 vs.11.40; both p <.001], with large effect sizes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.87. Conclusion Our study revealed that MBSR can improve female sexual function and mental health except for sexual desire and depression in women with breast cancer. Medical staff can incorporate MBSR into clinical health education for patients with breast cancer to promote their overall quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Chen Chang
- School of Nursing and Graduate Institute of Nursing, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404332, Taiwan
| | - Gen-Min Lin
- Departments of Medicine, Hualien-Armed Forces General Hospital, Hualien, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City, 100, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Lin Yeh
- Department of Family Medicine, Hsinchu MacKay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu 300, and Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, 100, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Ming Chang
- Department of Neurology, Hsinchu Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsu Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hsinchu Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chi Lo
- Department of Hospitality Management, Chung Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yin Yeh
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 700, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yu Hu
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei City, 100, Taiwan. .,Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, 10051, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu J, Xue B, Li L, Qiao J, Redding SR, Ouyang YQ. Psychological interventions for sexual function and satisfaction of women with breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Nurs 2022; 32:2282-2297. [PMID: 34985158 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Xue
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Li
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Qiao
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|