Premium
A randomised controlled trial of a couples‐based sexuality intervention for men with localised prostate cancer and their female partners
Author(s) -
Chambers Suzanne K.,
Occhipinti Stefano,
Schover Leslie,
Nielsen Lisa,
Zajdlewicz Leah,
Clutton Samantha,
Halford Kim,
Gardiner Robert A.,
Dunn Jeff
Publication year - 2015
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.3726
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , medicine , human sexuality , sexual function , intervention (counseling) , randomized controlled trial , prostate cancer , gynecology , clinical psychology , family medicine , cancer , nursing , gender studies , sociology
Objective The diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer is followed by substantive sexual morbidity. The optimal approach for intervening remains unclear. Methods/design A three‐arm randomised control trial was undertaken with 189 heterosexual couples where the man had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and treated surgically. The efficacy of peer‐delivered telephone support versus nurse‐delivered telephone counselling versus usual care in improving both men's and women's sexual adjustment was investigated. Assessments were undertaken at baseline (pre‐test) with follow‐up at 3, 6 and 12 months. Results At 12 months, men in the peer ( p = 0.016) and nurse intervention ( p = 0.008) were more likely to use medical treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) than men in the usual care arm. Men in the nurse intervention more frequently used oral medication for ED than men in usual care ( p = 0.002). No significant effects were found for sexual function, sexuality needs, sexual self‐confidence, masculine self‐esteem, marital satisfaction or intimacy. Conclusion Although peer and nurse couples‐based interventions can increase use of medical treatments for ED, this may not translate into better sexual or relationship outcomes. More research is needed into the optimal timing of interventions to improve sexual outcomes for men with prostate cancer and to identify the subpopulations that will benefit from them. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.