RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant but overlooked impairment, and treatment options are rare. The aims of this systematic review were to identify psychological interventions used to treat sexual dysfunction in MS, to estimate their benefit, and to note appropriate treatment approaches for research projects and clinical use. METHODS: A systematic review update was conducted to find psychological interventions aiming to improve sexual dysfunction in MS. A comprehensive search and review of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed were completed, and the effects and quality of selected studies were reported. RESULTS: Six publications with 295 participants were identified. All selected studies assessed the effectiveness of psychological interventions on sexual dysfunction or sexual satisfaction in people with MS; four studies directly targeted sexual dysfunction in MS, one was a mindfulness yoga program to improve fatigue and quality of life, and one other presented a secondary analysis of a study targeting depression in MS. All six studies reported significant improvements in sexual dysfunction or sexual satisfaction and somewhat in psychological variables. CONCLUSIONS: A pressing need for development and adequate evaluation of psychological interventions for sexual dysfunction in MS remains. In addition, assessment of sexual dysfunction in MS and its treatment should be more focused in clinical care.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The Control Preference Scale (CPS) is the most frequently used measure of patients' preferred roles in treatment decisions. We revised the original CPS and developed a new computerized patient self-administered version (eCPS). We used the eCPS to assess role preferences, and their determinants, in Italian and German people with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: New cartoons were produced, based on MS health professional and patient input/feedback and previous findings, and pilot tested on 26 Italian and German MS patients. eCPS acceptability and reliability (weighted kappa statistic, wK) in comparison to the original tool, was determined in 92 MS patients who received both CPS versions in random order. RESULTS: The new cartoons were well accepted and easily interpreted by patients, who reported they based their choices mainly on the text and considered the images of secondary importance. eCPS reliability was moderate (wK 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40-0.65) and similar to the test-retest reliability of face-to-face administration assessed in a previous publication (wK 0.65, 95% CI 0.45-0.81). Higher education (odds ratio [OR] 3.74, 95% CI 1.00-14.05) and German nationality (OR 10.30, 95% CI 3.10-34.15) were associated with preference for an active role in the logistic model. CONCLUSIONS: The newly devised eCPS was well received and considered easy to use by MS patients. Reliability was in line with that of the original version. Role preference appears affected by cultural characteristics and (borderline statistical significance) education.