effect of online problem solving counseling on the sexual anxiety and intimacy of women with recurrent pregnancy loss: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Abstract Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss creates complex reproductive conditions among women globally and in Iran affects many psychological consequences on all aspects of women's lives. Short-term problem solving therapy is one of the sexual health approaches. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effect of online problem solving counseling on the sexual anxiety and intimacy of women with RPL. Materials & Methods:In this Parallel clinical trial, with the control group, the research population consists of women with recurrent pregnancy loss with a recorded file in abortion Center in Yazd. The eligible participants were assigned into two groups including control and intervention, using random allocation software. Participants in the intervention group were given online counseling through a social network with a problem solving approach. Eight weekly sessions were held each lasting 90 min. The control group received an educational file to improve sexual anxiety and intimacy. All participants in two groups completed the questionnaires before, after, and 1 month after the study. Data were analyzed with SPSS16 using descriptive and inferential statistics(P<0.05). Results: The mean score of sexual anxiety at baseline was 62.8±10.71 in the online group and 62.00±6.43 in the control group (P=0.706). The mean score of sexual anxiety in the eighth and twelfth weeks was significantly less than the online group (53.17±7.13 in the online group and 61.34±6.13 in the control group), (49.74±7.09 in the online group and 61.25±5.96 in the control group). The mean score of sexual intimacy in the baseline was 28.68 ± 2.75 in the online group and 28.31 ± 2.77 in the control group (P=0.576). The mean score of sexual intimacy in the eighth and twelfth weeks was significantly higher in the online group (32.05±2.22 in the online group and 28.31±2.6 in the control group), (32.25±2.35 in the online group and 29.31±2.59 in the control group), (p<0.001). conclusion: Counseling with problem solving approach in women with RPL improved sexual anxiety and intimacy. hence, this method is recommended as a non-drug and cost-effective method in the form of community-based care. Trial Registration: This research has been registered in Iran's clinical trial center with code IRCT20220620055229N1 in 14/02/2023.