Group social work intervention enhances the sexual satisfaction of women with Multiple Sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial study.

Sexual problems are among the most common disorders that people with Multiple Sclerosis have to deal with, resulting in decreased sexual satisfaction and quality of life. The study is aimed to investigate the impact of group social work intervention on the sexual satisfaction of women with Multiple Sclerosis. The methodology was a randomized controlled trial and 58 participants recruited (30 for control group and 28 for intervention group). The intervention was based on group social work with an empowerment approach within eight sessions. The average age of the participants was 35.95 ± 6.41 most of whom had high school diploma (62.1%). The findings indicate that, in terms of sexual satisfaction (t = 5.47, Sig = 0.03, df = 56), primary disorders (t = 2.42, Sig = 0.019, df = 56), and tertiary disorders (t = 3.77, Sig = 0.002, df = 56), there is a significant difference between intervention and control groups.

Investigation of Relationship between Family Social Support and the Level of Stigma Perceived by PLWHA in Iran.

This study is aimed to investigate the relationship between family social support and the level of stigma perceived by people living with HIV (PLWHA). The methodology is cross-sectional and the sample population includes 163 individuals (54% males, 46% females) who were randomly selected from the counseling centers for behavioral disorders of Medical Sciences of Tehran University. The average age of the sample was 37.48 ± 10.29 years old and the main cause of HIV infection was the sexual intercourse with spouse/non-spouse. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant and inverse relationship between general social stigma with the duration of HIV infection (r = -0.31, P < .05). There is also a positive and significant relationship between the general family social support and its subscales (information support, seeking support, instrumental support) with the duration of the infectious disease (r = +0.20, P < .05), which means that with increasing duration of the disease, the level of family social support increases. The general social stigma score with the general family social support showed a significant correlation (inverse) (r = -0.43, P < .05). It seems that the design and implementation of appropriate psychosocial interventions to increase family social support and reduce social stigma associated with HIV/AIDS are important in Iranian society and societies that are family-oriented and the family institution continues its protective and supportive functions.