There is a high prevalence of sexual and body image problems among women treated for gynecologic cancer, which can lead to considerable distress. Given the sensitive and highly personal nature of these problems, women are often reluctant to speak to their doctors about these concerns and have few resources for support and information. The research team will conduct a prospective randomized controlled trail (RCT) to test the benefits of "GyneGals," a 12-week online (i.e. Internet-based) support group intervention for women who are sexually distressed due to gynecologic cancer and its treatment. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether a professionally-facilitated, information-rich, online support group is beneficial for women who are sexually distressed due to gynecologic cancer and the side effects of treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
398
12-week online (i.e. Internet-based), professionally-facilitated support group
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York, United States
Tom Baker Cancer Centre
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Cross Cancer Institute
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
University Health Network (Princess Margaret Hospital)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Women's College Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Psychosexual distress, as measured by the Revised Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS-R).
13-item self-report scale that measures sexually-related distress in women.
Time frame: 9 months
Sexual function, as measured by the Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ).
25-item measure developed for cancer patients and can be completed by women regardless of sexual orientation or whether they have a partner.
Time frame: 9 months (at months 1, 5, and 9)
Body image, as measured by the Sexual Adjustment and Body Image Scale - Gynecologic Cancer (SABIS-G).
Consists of two independent scales designed to assess changes in sexuality and body image before and after diagnosis.
Time frame: 9 months (at months 1, 5, and 9)
Depression and anxiety symptoms, as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
14-item self-report questionnaire for detecting depression and anxiety in a hospital outpatient setting.
Time frame: 9 months (at months 1, 5, and 9)
Relationship satisfaction, as measured by the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS).
7-item measure assessing satisfaction with an individual's romantic relationship.
Time frame: 9 months (at months 1, 5, and 9)
Perceived social support, as measured by MOS Social Support Survey (MOS-SS).
19 items and assesses emotional/informational support, tangible support, affectionate support, and positive social interaction, as well as providing an overall functional support index.
Time frame: 9 months (at months 1, 5, and 9)
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