Effectiveness of sexual counseling using PLISSIT model on sexual function of women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Sexual problems are very common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and due to its chronic nature may affect women's sexual quality of life. To study the effect of permission, limited information, specific suggestions, intensive therapy (PLISSIT) model sexual counseling on sexual function of women with type 2 diabetes. This study is a randomized clinical trial that was conducted on 100 married women aged 35-55 year old with type 2 diabetes referred to endocrinology clinic. The subjects were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, individual counseling was designed based on PLISSIT model, in at least three sessions. The control group received a general health training pamphlet at the end of the study. Before the first session and then 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention, questionnaires of demographic information, Brief Sexual symptom checklist for women (BSSC-W), and Female sexual Function Index (FSFI) were completed for two groups. Total FSFI score of the patients improved after sexual counseling (p < 0.001) and in subscales; sexual desire (p = 0.009), lubrication (p = 0.004), orgasm (p < 0.001), and sexual satisfaction (p < 0.001). Also sexual function in all subscales except for arousal (p = 0.181) and pain (p = 0.783) were increased significantly. Although pain was decreased significantly in intervention group over the time, no difference was seen between two groups (p = 0.783). The effect size of intervention to promote FSFI was determined 0.42. Considering the effectiveness of a PLISSIT model sexual counseling on sexual function of women with type 2 diabetes, the results of the present study, can be used to promote sexual health of diabetic patients.