Sexual Quality Of Life Research Articles

Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Overactive Bladder Syndrome Treated with Botulinum Toxin

Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a syndrome of the lower urinary tract characterized by urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia, with or without urgency urinary incontinence. OAB significantly impacts all aspects of life—social, psychological, physical, professional, domestic, and sexual—for both women and men. The aim of this study was to investigate sexual dysfunction in both women and men with OAB treated with intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injections using the Sexual Quality of Life questionnaire in two versions: female (SQoL-F) and male (SQoL-M). Methods: Forty sexually active patients (thirty women and ten men) with idiopathic OAB were recruited. Patients completed the SQoL-F or SQoL-M questionnaire before treatment, and again at 3 and 6 months after treatment with intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA injections. Results: All 40 patients completed the study (30 women and 10 men). There were no statistically significant differences in SQoL results before the procedure or at 3- and 6-months post-treatment. Conclusions: OAB treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA did not significantly affect the quality of sexual life in either women or men. Further research is needed using questionnaires specifically designed to assess the sexual life of patients with OAB, especially in men.

Deep endometriosis – impact on infertility, endometriosis fertility index, and reproductive prognosis (comparative study)

Introduction Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is the most severe form of endometriosis, contributes to pelvic pain syndrome, extragenital symptoms, fertility problems, and diminished reproductive prognosis for affected individuals. It is recommended to use the Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI) to assess reproductive prognosis and conduct clinical research to compare reproductive prognosis in different forms of endometriosis. Objective Comparison of the impact of the DIE and others forms of endometriosis on EFI, patients' fertility and on reproductive prognosis to understand the management approach. Materials and methods A cohort study included 190 reproductive-age women, divided according to the #Enzian classification: the main group - 85 patients with DIE, the control group - 105 women with other forms of endometriosis. The EFI was utilized for reproductive prognosis. Pain was evaluated with Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, with calculation of the Mann-Whitney U and Pearson's chi-square test (χ²). Results In main group, the frequency of infertility was 83.5% compared to the control group's 71.4% (p > 0.05). The EFI in main group was 7.18±0.25 points vs the control group's 7.13±0.28 points (p = 0.852). Patients in the main group suffered from intense pelvic pain (>7 points by the VAS, p < 0.01), including severe dyspareunia (7.85±0.33 points vs 2.18±0.46 points in control group, p < 0.01). Conclusions Our results suggest that infertility in women with DIE may be more often associated with sexual abstinence due to significant dyspareunia rather than organic impairments. Thus, EFI in patients with DIE does not reflect all aspects of infertility and has reservations, and consideration of both physical symptoms and sexual health is crucial in managing DIE to optimize fertility outcomes. These findings open the way to the feasibility of surgical treatment of DIE to improve sexual quality of life, which will reduce the need for IVF and increase the chances of spontaneous pregnancy in patients, but this conclusion requires further investigation in randomized clinical trials.

Sexual dysfunction in women living with HIV: an updated narrative review.

Female sexual dysfunction is a significant concern for many women worldwide, with chronic health conditions such as HIV infection contributing to its prevalence. However, there is a paucity of studies focusing this subject in the available literature. This narrative review aimed to provide a comprehensive and updated overview of the current state of knowledge regarding sexual dysfunction in women living with HIV (WLWH). References for this review were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases using the search terms "sexual dysfunction" AND "HIV" AND "female" OR "woman." The final reference list was generated based on the timeline, originality, and relevance to the scope of this narrative review. In the general population, female sexual function is influenced by various factors, including biological, psychological, physiological, sociocultural, and relational ones. In WLWH, the role of antiretroviral therapy in female sexual dysfunction is controversial. Although current international guidelines recommend collecting a thorough sexual life anamnesis during routine outpatient visits, sexual difficulties are often inadequately addressed. A tailored clinical approach that focuses on the multidimensional domains of sexual dysfunction may improve the sexual health and quality of life in WLWH.

The Fear of COVID-19 Pandemic Effects on Couples' Relationship and Sexual Quality of Life Female: A Study from Iran

Background: The enduring COVID-19 pandemic has implications for the sexual wellbeing of diverse populations, notably women. This worldwide emergency persists in affecting daily routines of individuals, as research indicates that alterations in lifestyle and imposed limitations are linked to mental health challenges. Aim: The objective of this research is to examine the interpersonal dynamics of couples and the sexual well-being of women in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional research involved 395 female participants who utilized Google Forms to complete online questionnaires in Iran from November 2022 to December 2022. The data collection instruments comprised the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), Relationship Rating Scale (RAS), and Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Statistical analyses employed in the study included independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Tukey post hoc test, and Univariate and Multiple linear regression. Results: The average age of female participants in the study was 31.97 years, with a standard deviation of 9.04. The mean scores for sexual quality of life among women were 64.82 with a standard deviation of 11.93, 18.28 with a standard deviation of 4.48 for DASS, 22.48 with a standard deviation of 4.30 for RAS, and 12.88 with a standard deviation of 3.93 for fear of COVID-19 scale. Univariate linear regression analysis indicated a significant association between the quality of sexual life and fear of COVID-19 (P = 0.001), DASS (P = 0.001), and RAS (P = 0.007). The study found a noteworthy and negative impact of fear related to COVID-19 and DASS on the sexual quality of life of women (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The anxiety stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak seems to have repercussions on the dynamics of romantic partnerships and the sexual well-being of women. Furthermore, the pandemic is associated with heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. It is recommended that further research be undertaken to explore the mental health of women and its implications on their sexual experiences in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis.

Sport and sexual recovery after total hip arthroplasty in young adults: a retrospective cohort study.

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is the main treatment for end-stage degenerative hip arthrosis in the elderly, while became increasingly performed as treatment of secondary arthrosis in younger patients, a population at high functional requests in terms of resumption of physical activity and resumption of sexual activity. This study evaluates the physical, sports recovery and the sexual quality of life in young patients undergoing primary THA. Patients undergoing primary THA aged between 18 and 45, operated in a 10 year timeframe, were selected. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were collected. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was assessed before and after the surgery. The UCLA Activity Score was collected, sport participation in pre and post-operative period was acquired. The quality of sexual activity (SQoL) before and after surgery was analysed through a qualitative questionnaire. Collected data were also compared on the surgical approach, namely Direct Anterior (DAA), Postero-Lateral (PL) and Direct lateral (DL). The population consisted of 242 THA implanted in 232 patients, including 143 males and 89 females, with an average age of 37.4. The mean follow-up period was 51.0 months, with a minimum of 2.9 months and a maximum of 122.6 months. Postoperatively, the average HHS was 90.29 ± 0.9 points, compared to 62.43 ± 1.34 points preoperatively (p < 0.001). The UCLA Activity Score in the postoperative period was 7.17 ± 0.17 matching to intermediate impact sport activity. The 64% of patients reported an improvement in SQoL after-surgery, 73% of which being females that show a significant improvement in SQoL compared to males (p = 0.046). By surgical approach comparison, DAA patients demonstrated better UCLA Activity Score (p = 0.037) and Return to sport (p = 0.027) compared to PL and DL. Primary THA surgery in young adults can improve the level of physical activity and promote the involvement of subjects in moderate impact sports. Patients showed a better quality of sexual life compared to the preoperative period, an effect more evident in female patients.

The Relationship Between Genital Self-Image and the Quality of Sexual Life in Married Turkish Women

The Relationship Between Genital Self-Image and the Quality of Sexual Life in Married Turkish Women

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Pilot Psychometric Validation of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire-Sexual Health (EORTC QLQ-SH22) Scale, Moroccan Arabic Version.

The Sexual Health Scale (QLQ-SH22) is the only cancer-specific measure of sexual health. It has never been translated into Arabic. In order to envisage effective healthcare strategies that improve sexual quality of life, the validation of the Moroccan version of this scale is a crucial step in exploring the influence of cancer and its treatment on patients in the Moroccan context. In this regard, this study aimed to validate a Moroccan Arabic version among patients with cancer. A total of 280 Moroccan patients with cancer participated in this study from August 2022 to April 2023. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the QLQ-SH22 was performed following the EORTC guidelines. Psychometric validation was explored using the reliability of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). The analysis revealed a greater internal consistency for both sexual satisfaction (α = 0.83) and sexual pain (α = 0.86). The intraclass correlation coefficient indicated an excellent level of test-retest reliability (from 0.925 to 0.993). The CFA demonstrated high-performing model fit indices (χ2/df = 1.17, SRMR = 0.05, RMSEA = 0.035, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, IFI = 0.99, NFI = 0.94). The concurrent validity between the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-SH22 confirmed a strong correlation between the fatigue scales in both questionnaires (r = 0.69). This version showed good discrimination between known groups. The QLQ-SH22 Moroccan Arabic version has demonstrated a high level of reliability and validity, and therefore it is now ready for use.

Sexual Dysfunction, Marital Adjustment, and Quality of Life Among Male Persons with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome Attending Tertiary Healthcare Institution in Northeast India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Sexual dysfunction is one of the major problems associated with the chronic use of alcohol. Sexual dysfunction is also significantly associated with marital adjustment and quality of life. Aim and objectives: To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its association with marital adjustment and quality of life among persons with alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) and to compare with the healthy control group. Materials and methods: The present study used a cross-sectional, comparative, and descriptive research design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample of 128 (64 patients with ADS and 64 healthy control persons) between the ages of 21 and 50, from the Department of Addiction Medicine, LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health (LGBRIMH), Tezpur, Assam. Sociodemographic and clinical data sheet, the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SDAQ), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIED), and The Drug Abuse Screening Test scales (DAST) were used. Results: The study revealed a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the ADS group (64%) compared to the healthy control group (35.9%) (Chi-square = 46.916; p &lt; .001). Marital satisfaction was significantly lower in the ADS group than in the healthy control group (Fisher’s exact test = 76.932; p &lt; .001). Quality of life was also diminished in the ADS group, particularly in the physical ( t = −5.310; p &lt;.001), social ( t = −4.481; p &lt; .001), and environmental domains ( t = −4.250; p &lt; .001). Furthermore, sexual dysfunction exhibited a significant negative correlation with marital adjustment ( r = −0.676; p &lt; .01) and all domains of quality of life [physical domain ( r = −0.235; p &lt; .001), social domain ( r = −0.383; p &lt; .001), and environmental domain ( r = −0.383; p &lt; .001)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction was high in persons with alcohol dependence syndrome as compared to the healthy control group and it has a relationship with marital adjustment and quality of life. The findings highlight the importance of screening and evaluating sexual dysfunction in individuals with alcohol dependence. Comprehensive pharmacological and nonpharmacological services are warranted to address the unique needs of this population, promoting both recovery from alcohol dependence and improvement in overall quality of life.

A cross-sectional study on the relationship between trauma levels and fear of happiness with sexual quality of life in women earthquake survivors

To evaluate the relationship between post-earthquake trauma levels and fear of happiness with sexual quality of life in women who had survived the earthquake. The study revealed that as the level of post-earthquake trauma and fear of happiness increased, so too did the quality of sexual life. These findings indicate that traumatic events strengthen the bonds between couples and positively affect the quality of sexual life. Nevertheless, providing support to individuals following the earthquake and informing them about sexual life and sexual health issues can contribute to individual health and harmony within the family, thereby positively impacting public health.

A rare case: Neovagina creation using McIndoe technique and total surgical approach in a patient with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome

This case report presents an 18-year-old female patient diagnosed with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a rare congenital anomaly causing primary amenorrhea. MRI revealed vaginal agenesis and a left hemiuterus associated with hematosalpinx and cervical agenesis, while both ovaries were normal. The patient underwent successful neovagina creation using the McIndoe technique, involving a split-thickness skin graft from below the umbilicus. Postoperative follow-up showed excellent graft adherence and significant improvement in sexual function and quality of life. This case highlights the efficacy of the McIndoe technique for neovagina creation in MRKH syndrome and underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosis and treatment, including psychological support.

Assessment of sexual function and quality of life in breast cancer patients before and after the occurrence of therapy-related skin changes

Background Patients with breast cancer (BC) who receive adjuvant chemotherapy or other treatment modalities may potentially benefit from an enhanced prognosis of survival. Physical or aesthetic complications may, nevertheless, result in significant distress as a consequence of adverse dermatologic responses. There has been a heightened focus on matters related to quality of life (QoL) as the number of BC survivors has risen. Sexual disorders are reported by as many as 75% of women who undergo treatment for BC. Despite this, the majority of oncologists lack the necessary training to identify patients who are particularly susceptible to developing sexual disorders. Patients diagnosed with BC frequently experience female sexual dysfunction. Objective To compare and evaluate the impact of skin changes induced by different treatment modalities in BC patients on their sexual function and QoL. Patients and methods This is a prospective cohort research on 58 cases diagnosed with BC, which was conducted in the outpatient clinic of the Clinical Oncology department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University from April 2022 to February 2023. The calculated sample size for the current study using Epi info 7 programs was 56 women. The power of the study is 80% with a confidence level of 95% as determined by the Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University. Both sexual function and QoL were assessed before and 3–6 months after the occurrence of skin changes related to different treatment modalities using validated questionnaires irrespective of their tumor stage. Results Of the 58 patients, there was statistically significant variance regarding dermatological life quality index (DLQI) (P&lt;0.001), with 8.6% of patients experiencing a very large influence on their QoL, which increased to 19%. However, the number of patients having an extremely large influence on their quality of life changed from 0 to 5.2%. There was statistically significant variance (P&lt;0.001) regarding female sexual function index values among the six domains of female sexual function index before and after the occurrence of skin changes. There is a negative correlation between DLQI score and desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction scores, while there is a positive correlation between DLQI score and pain score. QoL was negatively affected by the occurrence of such skin lesions. Conclusion There was a significant negative impact of skin changes induced by different treatment modalities in BC patients on their sexual function and QoL.

1675P Impact of adjuvant hormonal therapy on sexual and global quality of life in young egyptian women with breast cancer

1675P Impact of adjuvant hormonal therapy on sexual and global quality of life in young egyptian women with breast cancer

Risk factors for long-term urination and sexual function impairment following laparoscopic resection of presacral lesions

BACKGROUNDPresacral cysts are rare congenital lesions predominantly affecting females. Surgery is often recommended after diagnosis due to the risk of malignant transformation and complications associated with cyst enlargement. Laparoscopic excision is increasingly favored due to its enhanced visualization and precision.AIMTo assess long-term urinary, sexual function outcomes and quality of life in female patients undergoing laparoscopic resection of presacral cysts.METHODSWe conducted a retrospective review of female patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of presacral cysts between August 2012 and May 2020. Patient demographics, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were analyzed. The urinary function was assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module (ICIQ-FLUTS), the sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and quality of life was assessed using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36).RESULTSAmong the 32 female patients included, 10 experienced postoperative urinary incontinence, predominantly of the mixed type. The risk factors for urinary incontinence included abdominal distension and the proximity of the cyst to the rectum. Notably, urinary incontinence significantly impacted the overall lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life. Additionally, seven patients reported postoperative sexual dysfunction, with previous abdominal or pelvic surgery and cyst location under S3 identified as risk factors, affecting the mental health aspects of their quality of life.CONCLUSIONLaparoscopic cyst resection in females poses risks of urinary and sexual dysfunction, potentially impacting quality of life. Thus, tailored management approaches are crucial.

1502P Sexual dysfunction and quality of life in rectal cancer

1502P Sexual dysfunction and quality of life in rectal cancer

Effects of Testosterone Hormone on the Sexual Aspect of Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review.

A decrease in testosterone levels in women during the postmenopausal period is associated with a wide range of signs and symptoms that can negatively impact their sexual quality of life. Due to this, it is crucial to understand and address this hormone deficiency with appropriate medication. To summarize the effects of testosterone treatment on the sexual aspects of postmenopausal women, PubMed was searched from 1974 to the present using the following MESH terms: (((testosterone) OR (androgens)) OR (testosterone deficiency)) AND (sexual dysfunction) AND (postmenopausal women) AND (current therapy replacement))). The inclusion criteria were studies with observational and experimental approaches that evaluated the mechanism of action of testosterone in postmenopausal women. The updated data indicate that testosterone therapy alleviates many of the signs and symptoms related to sexual dysfunction in menopausal women. However, the evidence is limited due to the small sample sizes and the relatively few studies on this topic. As our understanding of the relationship between testosterone and postmenopausal women advances, there has been significant development in the use of this hormone. To validate these findings and ensure they are generalizable, further randomized controlled trials are essential. Future studies should focus on confirming the efficacy of testosterone therapy.

Effect of health education combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation on early pelvic floor function and psychology: A retrospective study.

To investigate the effects of health education combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation on maternal postpartum pelvic floor function and psychology. The clinical data of 80 patients with postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) from May 2020 to May 2022 were selected as retrospective study subjects, and 40 cases were divided into the comparison group and the observation group according to the different intervention methods. Among them, the comparison group implemented biofeedback electrical stimulation and guidance, and the observation group implemented Greene health education and Kegel pelvic floor rehabilitation training intervention based on the comparison group. The differences in pelvic floor muscle strength, sexual quality of life, anxiety, and depression in the 2 groups with postpartum PFD were compared. Comparison of pelvic floor muscle strength: before the intervention (P > .05) and after the intervention, the anterior resting mean electromyography (EMG), slow muscle mean EMG, fast muscle maximum EMG, and mixed muscle mean EMG values of patients in the observation group were higher than those in the comparison group, and the posterior resting mean EMG values were lower than those in the comparison group (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores and anxiety and depression subscale scores between the 2 groups of patients before intervention (P > .05). After the intervention, the HADS scores and anxiety and depression subscale scores were lower than those before the intervention in both groups, and the differences were statistically significant in the intervention group than in the comparison group (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference between The Chinese Female Sexual Life Quality Questionnaire scores of both groups before the intervention (P > .05). Sexual desire, vaginal lubrication, sexual arousal, sexual satisfaction, orgasm, and painful intercourse improved in both groups after the intervention, and the scores in the intervention group were higher than those in the comparison group (P < .05). Health education combined with biofeedback electrical stimulation can effectively improve the quality of patients' sexual life, improve the pelvic floor muscle strength of patients with postpartum PFD, enhance patients' confidence, reduce patients' anxiety and depression, and effectively improve patients' psychological status.

Association of redundant foreskin with sexual dysfunction: a cross-sectional study from 5700 participants.

A previous study showed that the length of the foreskin plays a role in the risk of sexually transmitted infections and chronic prostatitis, which can lead to poor quality of sexual life. Here, the association between foreskin length and sexual dysfunction was evaluated. A total of 5700 participants were recruited from the andrology clinic at The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Hefei, China). Clinical characteristics, including foreskin length, were collected, and sexual function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) questionnaires. Men with sexual dysfunction were more likely to have redundant foreskin than men without sexual dysfunction. Among the 2721 erectile dysfunction (ED) patients and 1064 premature ejaculation (PE) patients, 301 (11.1%) ED patients and 135 (12.7%) PE patients had redundant foreskin, respectively. Men in the PE group were more likely to have redundant foreskin than men in the non-PE group (P = 0.004). Logistic regression analyses revealed that the presence of redundant foreskin was associated with increased odds of moderate/severe ED (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.31, adjusted P = 0.04), moderate PE (aOR = 1.38, adjusted P = 0.02), and probable PE (aOR = 1.37, adjusted P = 0.03) after adjusting for confounding variables. Our study revealed a positive correlation between the presence of redundant foreskin and the risk of sexual dysfunction, especially in PE patients. Assessment of the length of the foreskin during routine clinical diagnosis may provide information for patients with sexual dysfunction.

Clinical and Psychological Implications of Genital Vitiligo in a Thai Population.

The understanding of genital vitiligo among Thai individuals is limited. This study evaluated the clinical presentation, quality of life, and sexual health consequences of genital vitiligo. This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study involving vitiligo patients aged 18 years or older with past or present genital involvement was conducted at Siriraj Hospital. It also measured aspects of sexual health and quality of life. The mean age of the 41 participants was 48.2 years, and 24 (58.5%) were males. All participants presented with genital vitiligo. In males, the penile shaft (45.8%), scrotum (45.8%), and glans (33.3%) were predominantly affected. In females, the mons pubis (64.7%), labia majora (23.5%), and labia minora (23.5%) were frequently involved. Both sexes reported afflictions in the pubic area (41.5%), inguinal region (36.6%), buttocks (34.1%), and oral mucosa (34.1%). Itching was the principal symptom in 26.8% of the patients. The median Dermatology Life Quality Index scores were significantly different (females 6, males 3.5). Compared with their male counterparts, females exhibited lower self-esteem (41.2% vs 29.2%), greater apprehension about marriage (11.8% vs 8.3%), and embarrassment about sexual activities (23.5% vs 16.7%). Remarkably, 65.9% of patients had not discussed their genital vitiligo with their doctors, and 51.2% of physicians had not inquired about or examined for genital involvement. Genital vitiligo adversely impacts quality of life and self-esteem, particularly among female patients. The lack of discourse between patients and physicians highlights a need for increased awareness and proactive clinical investigations to enhance patient care and satisfaction.

Depression scores and its relationship with sexual quality of life in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study.

Diabetes is an important public health problem with increasing prevalence worldwide. However, the prevalence of diabetes in women is increasing. Women with diabetes have many physical and psychological complications. It has been reported that complications experienced by women with diabetes negatively affect both their sexual and mental health. This study aimed to determine the sexual quality of life (SQoL) and depression scores in women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), the relationship between them, and to examine the factors predicting the SQoL. This study was analytical and cross-sectional. This study was conducted with 440 women with diabetes (206 women with type 1 and 234 women with type 2 diabetes) who came to the endocrine policlinic of a university hospital in Izmir, western Türkiye, between April and October 2023. Data were collected using the "Individual Description Form," "Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire" and "Beck Depression Inventory." Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between SQoL and depression scores. When women with T1D and T2D were compared, it was determined that women with T2D had worse SQoL and higher depression scores (P < .05). Both T1D and T2D women were found to have a strong negative correlation between SQoL and depression scores (r = -0.753; -0.837; P < .05). Age (B = -0.291), body mass index (BMI; B = -2.747), type 2 diabetes (B = -3.074), and depression scores (B = -1.898) were predictive factors of SQoL in women with diabetes (R2 = 0.670; P < .05). In our study, it was determined that depression scores were increased in women with diabetes mellitus with decreased SQoL. When T1D and T2D were compared, T2D had worse SQoL and higher depression scores. It also revealed that age, BMI, T2D, and depression scores affected SQoL. Healthcare professionals especially nurses should provide education and counseling to women with T1D and T2D about sexual life and mental health.

Effect of WhatsApp-based BETTER model sexual counselling on sexual function and sexual quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a randomized control trial

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the effect of WhatsApp-based BETTER sex counselling on sexual function and sexual quality of life in breast cancer survivors in a randomized control trial.MethodsThis is a randomized controlled trial in which a total of 90 breast cancer survivors were recruited using convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to two groups of WhatsApp-based BETTER model counselling and routine care. Data collection tools consisted of a demographic questionnaire, the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) and the Sexual Function Index (FSFI-BC). Participants in the intervention group were given access to the 6-week program. The program consisted of six consultation and assignment packages covering all six steps of the BETTER model. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Chi-square test, independent samples t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance were used. The significance level (p-value) was considered to be less than 0.05.ResultsIn the control group, the mean score of SQL scale changed from 35.16 ± 10.71 to 35.16 ± 12.97 (P > 0.05) and in the intervention group, it significantly increased from 34.76 ± 10.13 to 68.20 ± 20.48 (P < 0.001). Similarly, the comparison of mean of FSF in the control group showed a none-significant change from 58.13 ± 7.11 to 58.35 ± 6.11 (P > 0.05), and in the intervention group, it significantly improved from 59.49 ± 6.10 to 120.73 ± 25.54 (P < 0.001). The results of rANOVA indicated that there was a significant difference in the mean scores of the SQL and SFS between the two groups from pre- to post-intervention, and then over the 1-month follow-up period in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Considering partial eta squared, the effect of the intervention had the highest interaction effect on both variables of the sexual function index (η2 = 0.73) and sexual quality of life (η2 = 0.41).ConclusionsThe intervention program was a successful model for improving female sexual quality of life and female sexual function in breast cancer survivors.Trial registrationIRCT20210926052601N1, 7–11-2021.