The goal of this clinical trial is to test the efficacy of a nurse-led psychoeducational sexual health intervention for young women breast cancer survivors. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. What is the feasibility of this intervention in an online, private setting? 2. What is the effect of this intervention on reducing menopausal symptoms, improving sexual functioning, and enhancing body image? Participants will participate in a nurse-led psychoeducational intervention for 8 sessions lasting approximately an hour each over the course of 16 weeks. Each participant will complete survey items at the beginning, end, and six-weeks after the last session. Participants will be compensated up to $150 in gift cards as a thank-you for their time.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
43
The intervention will be led by a registered nurse who holds certifications in sexuality counseling and sex education. The therapeutic, online environment will serve as a confidential, private space without judgement to encourage discussion to model safe sexuality communication for breast cancer survivors. The curriculum will include: i) psychoeducation: sexual body, mind-body connection, and sexual relationships; ii) physical-body education: physical response, safety, and navigating physical changes in survivorship; iii) solution-focused tools: tailored vaginal rehydration, lubrication, education; and iv) communication: internal, partnered, and patient-provider communication skills. The solution-focused tools will include vaginal rehydration and dilation products with vaginal lubrication. Tools will be distributed via mail by Session 2.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
Vulvovaginal Symptoms Questionnaire (VSQ)
A 21-item survey designed to measure vaginal symptoms, emotions, life impact due to vulvovaginal symptoms, and sexual impact of vulvovaginal symptoms. The scores range from 0 - 20 with the higher score meaning greater impact from vulvovaginal symptoms.
Time frame: Week 1, Week 16, Week 22
Body Image Scale
A 10-item survey designed to measure body image changes after cancer treatment. Scores range from 0 - 30 with the higher scores representing more body image disturbances related to cancer treatment.
Time frame: Week 1, Week 16, Week 22
Female Sexual Functioning Index
A 19-item survey measuring female sexual functioning. Scores range from 2 - 36 with the higher score representing greater sexual function.
Time frame: Week 1, Week 16, Week 22
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