Evaluation of Sexual Health Counseling for Primiparous Pregnant Women Using PLISSIT Model and Motivational Interviewing

Not Applicable

Active, not recruiting

• Conditions: Pregnancy; PLISSIT Model; Primiparity

• Registration Number: NCT06862011
• Lead Sponsor: Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University

Brief Summary

This study is a simple randomized controlled intervention study to evaluate the effects of sexual counseling given to primiparous pregnant women using motivational interviewing on sexual self-efficacy, attitude towards sexuality and quality of sexual life.

HO: There is no difference between the mean Sexual Function Scale score in the last evaluation of pregnant women in the intervention and control groups.

H0a: There is no difference between the mean Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale score in the last evaluation of pregnant women in the intervention and control groups.

H0b: There is no difference between the mean Attitude Towards Sexuality During Pregnancy Scale score in the last evaluation of pregnant women in the intervention and control groups.

H0c: There is no difference between the mean Sexual Life Quality Scale score in the last evaluation of pregnant women in the intervention and control groups.

Detailed Description

Pregnancy is a natural process that involves hormonal, physical, and social changes, affecting a woman's mood, relationships, and sexual life. The first pregnancy is a significant transition period, during which women may experience various fears related to sexuality, such as fear of miscarriage, premature birth, harming the baby, or increased risk of infection. These concerns often lead to a decrease in sexual activity during pregnancy.

The PLISSIT Model is suggested as an effective approach for assessing sexual health during pregnancy. This model consists of four stages: permission for expressing thoughts and concerns about sexuality, providing limited information, offering specific suggestions, and referring to intensive therapy when necessary. Additionally, the motivational interviewing method can help pregnant individuals recognize conflicting emotions and make positive behavioral changes.

Research indicates that sexual knowledge impacts sexual function, and participation in educational programs can improve sexual health during pregnancy. However, studies also show that healthcare professionals often lack sufficient support in this area. Nurses play a crucial role in educating and counseling pregnant women to enhance their awareness of sexual health. The absence of sexual health recommendations in the Ministry of Health's prenatal care guidelines highlights a gap in this area. Improving sexual quality of life during pregnancy is essential for strengthening women's self-confidence and sense of adequacy.

In the study, the data collection tools used were the \*\*Inclusion Criteria Questionnaire (ICQ), Personal Information Form, Sexuality Diary, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale (SSES), Attitudes Towards Sexuality During Pregnancy Scale (ATSPS), and Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female Version (SQOL-F).\*\*

* \*\*ICQ:\*\* A ten-item form assessing the eligibility criteria for pregnant participants. Women who scored below 26.55 on the FSFI and answered all questions as "yes" were included in the study.

* \*\*Personal Information Form:\*\* A 15-item form assessing the socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics of pregnant individuals.

* \*\*FSFI:\*\* A scale evaluating female sexual function. A score below 26.55 indicates female sexual dysfunction.

* \*\*SSES:\*\* A scale measuring individuals' sexual self-efficacy, ranging from 0 to 40. Higher scores indicate higher sexual self-efficacy.

* \*\*ATSPS:\*\* A 34-item Likert-type scale assessing attitudes toward sexuality during pregnancy. Higher scores indicate a more positive attitude. The cutoff point is set at 111.5.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2025-02-10
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-03-03
• Study First Posted: 2025-03-06
• Study Start: 2025-03-15
• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-22
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-25
• Primary Completion: 2025-05-15
• Study Completion: 2025-06-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 70

Inclusion Criteria

• Those over 19 years of age
• Those in their first pregnancy
• Those in their 8th-16th weeks of pregnancy
• Those who are sexually active
• Those who have a score of less than 26.55 on the Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI)

Exclusion Criteria

• Those who have given birth prematurely
• Those who have developed a pregnancy complication that prevents coitus at any stage of the study (placenta previa, preterm premature rupture of membranes)
• Those who do not comply with the study plan
• Those who have received any sexual counseling
• Those who have experienced a life crisis (death of partner, divorce, moving, etc.)
• Those who want to withdraw from the study at any stage of the study

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Female Sexual Function Scale	5 weeks	The Female Sexual Function Scale will be used to evaluate the sexual functions of pregnant women. The total score that can be obtained from the scale is between a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 36 points. Increasing scores indicate a good level of sexual function. If the total KCFI score is 30 and above, the sexual function level is defined as "good", between 23-29 points as "medium", and less than 23 points as low, and the cut-off value of the scale is 26.55. A total KCFI score of 26.55 and below indicates that the level of sexual function is inadequate.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale	5 weeks	will be used to determine the sexual self-efficacy levels of pregnant women. The scale is one-dimensional. The lowest score that can be obtained from the scale is 0, the highest score is 40. High scores indicate a high level of sexual self-sufficiency belief.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University; 🇹🇷 Ankara, Turkey