The effect of sexual counseling based on the Ex-PLISSIT model on sexual quality of life and sexual satisfaction in women with stoma: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Women with stomas often face body image issues, anxiety, and shame, which can lead to sexual problems and avoidance of intimacy, negatively affecting their quality of life and showing the need for supportive interventions. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sexual counseling based on the Ex-PLISSIT model in improving sexual quality of life, sexual satisfaction, and marital relationship satisfaction in women with permanent stomas. Methods A prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial was conducted between September 2023 and April 2024. The CONSORT statement was used to report the findings. Thirty-two women with permanent stomas were randomized to the counseling group (n = 16) or the control group (n = 16). One participant from the counseling group was lost to follow-up after baseline, and 31 participants were included in the final analysis. The counseling group received 3 structured sessions of sexual counseling based on the Ex-PLISSIT model. Data were collected at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months using the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQoL-F) questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale-Sexual Satisfaction (VAS-SS), and Visual Analog Scale-Marital Relationship Satisfaction (VAS-MRS). Outcomes The outcomes included SQoL-F, VAS-SS, and VAS-MRS scores measured at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Results At baseline, no significant differences were observed between the groups. At 1 and 3 months, the counseling group had significantly higher SQoL-F scores (from 27.50 ± 18.94 to 99.30 ± 3.02) and VAS-SS scores (from 2.25 ± 2.09 to 8.39 ± 1.24) than the control group (P