Supporting Couples' Perinatal Sexual Well-being: Testing the Introductory Modules of a Novel Prevention Program (STORK)

Completed

• Conditions: Pregnancy

• Registration Number: NCT07036484
• Lead Sponsor: Dalhousie University

Brief Summary

Most new parents will experience changes to their sexual relationship during the perinatal period, yet no accessible prevention programs exist to support couples in navigating these changes. The goal of this observational study is to test the feasibility of the introductory modules of an online program (STORK) designed to promote perinatal sexual well-being in a sample of expectant couples. The main question it aims to answer is:

Is STORK a feasible and acceptable resource to support couples' perinatal sexual well-being? Couple participants who complete the first two modules of the STORK program will answer online survey questions and an interview about their experience with the program.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2023-08-11
• Primary Completion: 2023-12-08
• Study Completion: 2023-12-08
• Status Verified: 2024-10
• Study First Submitted: 2025-06-17
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-06-17
• Study First Posted: 2025-06-25
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-27
• Last Update Posted: 2025-07-02

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 22

Inclusion Criteria

• both partners are at least 18 years of age
• both partners speak and read English fluently
• both partners live together and are in a relationship with each other for at least 1 year
• one partner is 12-25 weeks pregnant with both partner's first child

Exclusion Criteria

• couples were instructed by a healthcare professional to avoid sexual activity during pregnancy

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Content and layout	At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)	Participants self-reported on 9 researcher-derived items assessing the content and layout of information presented in the STORK program such as platform layout, clarity and appropriateness of content using 7-point Likert-type response scales. Three open-ended questions asked about areas that were covered well, areas of improvement, and confusing terms/ideas.
Acceptability	At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)	After completing the initial STORK program's modules, couples self-reported on acceptability of the platform using 11 researcher-derived items modeled after prior similar work. Items assessed aspects such as enjoyment, overall organization, and amount of information for Module 0 and Module 1 using 7-point Likert-type response scales. Participants also provided open-ended suggestions for improvement.
Functionality	At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)	Two researcher-derived items assessed ease of navigation and the relevance of graphics (i.e., images/videos) using 7-point Likert-type response scales; an open-ended question asked about specific suggestions to functionality of the platform.
Time commitment	At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)	Participants self-reported how long it took them to complete the modules, and whether they considered this amount of time reasonable using a dichotomic (yes/no) item; if they responded negatively, then they were invited to provide reasons using an open-ended question.
Feasibility of the program's introductory modules - semi structured interview	At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)	After completing the module, a semi-structured interview was conducted. The interview included open-ended questions about the web platform, as well as specific questions regarding its content, relevancy, clarity, organization, aesthetics, navigation, and functionality.
Inclusivity	At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)	Participants self-reported on their perceptions regarding inclusivity of the platform using 4 researcher-derived items completed on a 7-point Likert-type response scales. One open-ended question asked about specific suggestions to improve inclusivity of the program.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Dalhousie University; 🇨🇦 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada