Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Psychosexual Intervention for Couples Post-allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Autor: Brindha Pillay DPsych, David Ritchie MB BS, PhD, FRACP, Yvonne Panek-Hudson RN, MN, Michael Jefford MB BS, MPH, MHlthServMt, PhD, FRACP, Teresa Garcia RN, Cassandra Shields PhD, Jo Gniel B App Psych (Hon), B Sc, Jo Phipps-Nelson PhD, Allison Drosdowsky MPH, Steve Ellen MB BS, M.Med(psych), MD, FRANZCP, Maria Ftanou DPsych, PhD
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Integrative Cancer Therapies, Vol 23 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1552-695X
15347354
DOI: 10.1177/15347354241230956
Popis: Purpose: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can have a long-term impact on patients’ sexual functioning and consequently, their relationship satisfaction. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a 5-session psychosexual intervention for HSCT survivors and their partners. Methods: To be eligible patients were required to be more than 3 months post-allogeneic HSCT. The intervention comprised 2 components: (1) A psychosexual education session exploring medical/behavioral treatment options for sexual dysfunction, delivered by a specialist nurse; (2) A 4-session Emotionally-Focused Therapy-based relationship education program for couples delivered by a clinical psychologist. Measures assessing relationship quality, sexual functioning, anxiety, and depression were administered pre- and post-intervention. Feasibility was measured via participation rate, adherence and compliance with completing main measures. Acceptability of the intervention was assessed via patient/partner satisfaction surveys. Results: Eight of 85 (9.4%) eligible patients and their partners participated in the study. Reasons for declining participation included: feeling uncomfortable due to sensitive nature of intervention; did not have any relationship/sexual function issues; and experiencing ongoing medical issues. Six of 8 couples (75%) attended at least 4 intervention sessions and 5 of 8 (62.5%) completed the main study measures post-intervention. Four couples reported that sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction was somewhat or much better post-intervention; 1 reported no change. Conclusion: Feasibility criteria were not met, with low enrolment rate, however the intervention was deemed acceptable. Couples who participated adhered to the intervention and considered it beneficial. Further strategies to identify and manage sexual concerns are required.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals
Externí odkaz: