Effect of Group Counseling on Sexual Knowledge, Attitude, and Function of Young Women with Sexual Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background and Objective: Inadequate information and false sexual beliefs are common psychological factors in sexual disorders. This study aimed to determine the effect of counseling on the sexual knowledge, attitude, and performance of women with sexual dysfunction. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 80 women aged 18 to 30 years with sexual dysfunction. Samples were randomly assigned to two test and control groups. The required data were collected using a demographic form, the Sex Knowledge and Attitude Test, and Female Sexual Function Index. The intervention was performed in 4 counseling sessions of 45-90 minutes weekly based on the rapport building, exploring, decision making, and implementing the decision (REDI) model. Data were gathered before and 4 weeks after the intervention and analyzed using Stata-13 software. The significance level was considered less than 5%. Results: After the intervention, the mean scores of sexual knowledge, sexual attitude, and sexual knowledge and attitude, as well as the total score of sexual function in the test group were obtained at 47.13±1.74, 51.16±2.34, 98.30± 3.73, and 26.29±2.46, respectively. These resultsshowed a statistically significant increase compared to before the intervention and also compared to the control group (P<0.001). After the intervention, the mean scores of sexual desire, orgasm, and pain domains showed a significant difference between the two test and control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: It was found that REDI model-based counseling was effective in improving the sexual knowledge, attitude, and function of young women with sexual dysfunction. Considering the simplicity and effectiveness of this method, it is recommended to use it in sexual counseling.