The Effect of Counseling Based on EX-PLISSIT Model on Sexual Function and Marital Satisfaction of Postpartum Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Since routine counseling does not suffice to resolve sexual problems at postpartum period, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of counseling based on the Ex-PLISSIT model on sexual function and marital satisfaction of postpartum women. Methods: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial that was conducted on 68 postpartum women (within 3-6 months after childbirth) who obtained a score less than 28 on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group received counseling based on the Ex-PLISSIT model and those in the control group received the routine postpartum care. The required data were collected using a demographics form, the FSFI, and the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale. Primary outcomes were the mean function and martial satisfaction score of participants 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention. Results: The mean (SD: standard deviation) FSFI score in the intervention groups was 19.74 (5.80) at baseline, 27.65 (2.23) four weeks, and 30.02 (1.53) eight weeks after the intervention. In the control group, this values were 20.81 (4.01), 23.95 (2.29), and 25.31 (3.26), respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of sexual function at baseline (p=0.381), but it was significantly higher in the intervention group than control group after intervention (the adjusted MD: 4.24, 95% CI: 3.18 to 5.29, p<0.001). In addition, the mean (SD) marital satisfaction score in the intervention group was 164.76 (35.28) at baseline, 202.20 (16.14) four weeks, and 210.32 (14.03) eight weeks after the intervention. In the control group, this values were 171.00 (29.30), 182.00 (24.17, and 188.17 (24.62), respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in marital satisfaction before the intervention (p=0.433), but it increased significantly in the intervention group in comparison to control after intervention (adjusted MD: 23.17, 95% CI: 15.10 to 31.24, p<0.001). Conclusions: The study findings suggested that sexual counseling based on the Ex-PLISSIT model can improve sexual function and increase marital satisfaction of postpartum women. Trial registration: This research was registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20111122008170N12)