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A randomized pilot trial of a telephone‐based couples intervention for physical intimacy and sexual concerns in colorectal cancer
Author(s) -
Reese Jennifer Barsky,
Porter Laura S.,
Regan Katelyn R.,
Keefe Francis J.,
Azad Nilofer S.,
Diaz Luis A.,
Herman Joseph M.,
Haythornthwaite Jennifer A.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.3508
Subject(s) - randomized controlled trial , distress , intervention (counseling) , sexual function , clinical psychology , coping (psychology) , medicine , attrition , psychology , psychiatry , surgery , dentistry
Background We previously developed and piloted a telephone‐based intimacy enhancement (IE) intervention addressing sexual concerns of colorectal cancer patients and their partners in an uncontrolled study. The current study tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the IE intervention in a randomized, controlled trial. Methods Twenty‐three couples were randomized to either the four‐session IE condition or to a wait list control condition and completed sexual and relationship outcomes measures. The IE intervention teaches skills for coping with sexual concerns and improving intimacy. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through enrollment and post‐treatment program evaluations, respectively. Effect sizes were calculated by comparing differences in average pre/post change scores across completers in the two groups ( n = 18 couples). Results Recruitment and attrition data supported feasibility. Program evaluations for process (e.g., ease of participation) and content (e.g., relevance) demonstrated acceptability. Engaging in intimacy‐building activities and communication were the skills rated as most commonly practiced and most helpful. For patients, positive effects of the IE intervention were found for female and male sexual function, medical impact on sexual function, and self‐efficacy for enjoying intimacy (≥.58); no effects were found on sexual distress or intimacy and small negative effects for sexual communication, and two self‐efficacy items. For partners, positive IE effects were found for all outcomes; the largest were for sexual distress (.69), male sexual function (1.76), communication (.97), and two self‐efficacy items (≥.87). Conclusions The telephone‐based IE intervention shows promise for couples facing colorectal cancer. Larger multi‐site intervention studies are necessary to replicate findings. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.