Sexual Education in Women Based On The Plissit Model On Awareness And Attitude in Midwifery Students

Overview

In this study, it was aimed to determine the awareness levels and attitudes of the students with the sexual counseling training conducted in line with the PLISSIT model. This experimental (randomized-controlled) study was conducted with midwifery students who agreed to participate in the study and met the inclusion criteria at a state university in western Turkey. As a result of the randomization, there were 38 students in the intervention group and 36 students in the control group. While training based on the PLISSIT framework was given to the intervention group, no training was given to the control group. Data were collected through the Introductory Information Form, the Gynecological Cancer Awareness Scale (GCPS), and the Sexual Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (CTİÖ) before the training and after the completion of the 3 trainings.

Intervention In order to improve the educational content, researchers conducted a literature review on gynecological cancers, sexual problems in gynecological cancer, sexual counseling. The training content was created after the literature review. Gynecological cancers are malignant diseases of the ovaries, cervix, endometrium, vulva, vagina and fallopian tubes that make up the female reproductive system. GLOBACAN (Global Cancer Observatory) 2020 data show that gynecological cancers rank fourth among the most common types of cancer among women in the world. Gynecological cancers are responsible for more than 100,000 incidences and 32,000 deaths per year. Significant changes are taking place, especially in the area of sexuality. It is known that sexually active gynecological cancer cases often complain of dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, postcoital bleeding, deterioration in sexual arousal, lack of sexual desire, genitopelvic pain. In addition, changes in the female genital organs, such as vaginal stenosis, vaginal dryness, scar formation in the vagina and vaginal atrophy, can lead to sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common and troubling qualities of life issues faced by women with gynecological cancer, but it is rarely discussed among cancer patients, survivors, and health professionals. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of sexual health from the first visit of patients should be carried out as a routine part of each examination. In this regard, health professionals need to apply resources that will encourage effective, sensitive, communication with patients about sexual health problems. One of the most widely used interventions in the field of assessing and managing sexual problems is the PLISSIT model. The PLISSIT model provides a safe, tolerant and therapeutic environment for the discussion of sexual concerns, encouraging referral to an appropriate specialist as needed. The model consists of four steps to address sexual concerns: Consent, Limited Information, Specific Recommendations, and Intensive Therapy. The first stage of this model is to allow patients to share their thoughts and concerns about their sex life. In the second stage, individuals are informed about their thoughts and concerns about their sex life. In the third stage, patients are given "special recommendations". Specific recommendations should be appropriate to each person's individual needs. At this point, health professionals need to know more about sexuality in order to give patient-specific information. The fourth stage involves the referral of the patient to the relevant specialist. This model enables healthcare professionals to develop effective strategies for addressing sexual concerns. In order for the model to be applied effectively, it is essential that the relevant health professionals are informed about the subject. In this context, it is very important to show health professionals and students studying in the field of health that sexuality is very important in women with gynecological cancer, to raise their awareness in the field and to ensure that their positive attitudes towards sexuality are formed. For this reason, in this study, 3rd-year students of the midwifery department were trained on "sexuality education for women with gynecological cancer" prepared based on the PLISSIT model, and it was examined how the gynecological cancer awareness and sexual attitudes and beliefs of the students were affected. In this study, it is aimed to determine the effect of sexuality education in line with the PLISSIT model on the gynecological cancer awareness levels of the students and their sexual attitudes and beliefs.