ABSTRACT
In-person, individual counseling using the PLISSIT model is a well-known approach to help people with sexual problems. Evidence suggests that Grouped Sexuality Education (GSE) can be as effective as in-person sexuality education. The efficacy of PLISSIT versus GSE has not previously been evaluated in women with Breast Cancer (BC). In this paper, we report on the effect of PLISSIT versus GSE on self-reported sexual behaviors experienced by women after a BC diagnosis (n = 75). The women were randomly allocated into three groups, with 25 women in each arm. Data analysis of the intention-to-treat population (n = 65) revealed efficacy of both GSE and PLISSIT in improving sexual behaviors (p < 0.0001) with a positive change in sexual capacity, motivation and performance after 6- and 12-weeks post-intervention follow ups. We found the GSE model showed a greater efficacy than the PLISSIT model. Due to the substantial needs faced by women with cancer and the cost associated with implementing the PLISST model, GSE seems to be more effective. We recommend GSE for Iranian communities where management of sexual problems is at an early stage and where the sexuality of women with cancer is routinely overlooked.
ABSTRACT
Sexual performance refers to activities served by sexual capacity and motivation. As a culturally sensitive issue, to date the scalar invariance of sexual performance has not been examined for Iranians with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Aim: To develop and assess properties of an instrument evaluating sexual performance of an Iranian population with SCIs., in Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center (BASIR), Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Using multi-modal methods, we developed and assessed the Sexual Performance Questionnaire (SPQ). This included collecting expert opinions; engaging with patients with SCI referred to BASIR; pilot testing to assess the scale; and a formal investigation. Participants (men = 156, women = 58) completed the SPQ. Internal consistency and reliability were measured using Cronbach's α coefficient. Content and face validity were examined by academic experts. Construct validity was assessed by examining convergent and discriminant validity. Finally, exploratory factor analysis was used to extract the factor structure of the questionnaire. The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.77. There was a significant (p = 0.04) correlation (r = - 0.23) between the SPQ score and age. Those with a partner scored higher (p = 0.001). We found three components: Spouse as initiator, self-initiation, and genital-oriented sex which accounted for 59% of the observed variance. The face and content validity was approved by an expert committee. The development and application of the 13-item SPQ provides a thorough understanding of sexual performance amongst persons with SCI. It facilitates the development of efficient sexual rehabilitation interventions and SCI-specific sexuality education programs.
ABSTRACT
Background: Parents are the first line mediators in sexuality development of children. However, the majority of parents tend to have close supervision on children sexual behaviors, particularly in the conservative cultures. This article describes the development and psychometric evaluation of an instrument to measure Iranian parents' competence in caring and nurturing their children sexually. Methods: The questionnaire was designed based on the principles in measurement, Waltz'stheory. The Iranian version of Children's Sexual Behavior Questionnaire (CSBQ-IR) was developed and completed by 386 mothers and 101 fathers who participated in a community based sexuality education program in Tehran, capital of Iran. Reliability was assessed by Kuder-Richardson reliability coefficient and Split half. CSBQ-IR was evaluated for its construct, inclusiveness and content validity by principal component analysis. Results: The Kuder-Richardson reliability coefficient and Split half reliability were found 0.425 and 0.457 that was on acceptable range. Meaning, grammar, wording and item allocation of the questionnaire were found to be appropriate with (content validity ratio [CVR]=0.99) and(content validity index [CVI]=0.8) respectively. Conclusion: CSBQ-IR provides a valid assessment of the parents' competency or incompetency in nurturing, communication, and managing their children's sexual behaviors.
