A randomized comparison of online mindfulness-based group sex therapy vs supportive group sex education to address sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors.
Lori A Brotto, Lauren Walker, Carly Sears, Shannon Woo, Roanne Millman, Bozena Zdaniuk
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引用次数: 0
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.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Sexual Medicine publishes multidisciplinary basic science and clinical research to define and understand the scientific basis of male, female, and couples sexual function and dysfunction. As an official journal of the International Society for Sexual Medicine and the International Society for the Study of Women''s Sexual Health, it provides healthcare professionals in sexual medicine with essential educational content and promotes the exchange of scientific information generated from experimental and clinical research.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine includes basic science and clinical research studies in the psychologic and biologic aspects of male, female, and couples sexual function and dysfunction, and highlights new observations and research, results with innovative treatments and all other topics relevant to clinical sexual medicine.
The objective of The Journal of Sexual Medicine is to serve as an interdisciplinary forum to integrate the exchange among disciplines concerned with the whole field of human sexuality. The journal accomplishes this objective by publishing original articles, as well as other scientific and educational documents that support the mission of the International Society for Sexual Medicine.