The Effect of Sexual Counseling Based on the PLISSIT Model on Family Functioning and Sexual Quality of Life of Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction is a common and significant issue for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), adversely affecting their overall quality of life. Proper sexual counseling can be beneficial for these women. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a counseling intervention based on the PLISSIT model on family functioning and sexual quality of life in women with MS. This interventional study was conducted in 2020 at the largest center for special diseases in southeast Iran. Sixty women with MS were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group participated in four 90-minute individual counseling sessions based on the PLISSIT model over four weeks, while the control group received routine training. Data were collected using a demographic information form and questionnaires on family functioning and sexual quality of life, both before and after the intervention. Results showed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of family functioning and sexual quality of life scores before the intervention (p > 0.05). However, after the intervention, the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in both family functioning and sexual quality of life scores (P < 0.0001). Specifically, there was a notable increase in the mean scores for family functioning and sexual quality of life in the intervention group post-intervention (P = 0.001 and P = 0.0001, respectively). In contrast, the control group showed no significant change in family functioning (P = 0.79) and a significant decrease in sexual quality of life (P = 0.014) during the second assessment. The results suggest that sexual counseling based on the PLISSIT model can effectively enhance family functioning and sexual quality of life in women with multiple sclerosis.