Pregnancy
Conditions
Keywords
pregnancy, postpartum, perinatal, transition to parenthood, psychoeducation, internet intervention, prevention, sexual wellbeing, sexual health, couple
Brief summary
Most new parents will experience changes to their sexual relationship during the perinatal period, yet no accessible prevention programs exist to support couples in navigating these changes. The goal of this observational study is to test the feasibility of the introductory modules of an online program (STORK) designed to promote perinatal sexual well-being in a sample of expectant couples. The main question it aims to answer is: Is STORK a feasible and acceptable resource to support couples' perinatal sexual well-being? Couple participants who complete the first two modules of the STORK program will answer online survey questions and an interview about their experience with the program.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALOnline program
We tested the feasibility of the introductory modules of an online couple-based program (STORK), designed to be grounded in empirically established risk and protective factors associated with couples' perinatal sexual well-being. STORK is a web-based program including psychoeducation and behavioral tasks to be completed by couples
Sponsors
University of British Columbia
Dalhousie University
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* both partners are at least 18 years of age * both partners speak and read English fluently * both partners live together and are in a relationship with each other for at least 1 year * one partner is 12-25 weeks pregnant with both partner's first child
Exclusion criteria
\- couples were instructed by a healthcare professional to avoid sexual activity during pregnancy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptability | At entry (around 20 weeks gestation) | After completing the initial STORK program's modules, couples self-reported on acceptability of the platform using 11 researcher-derived items modeled after prior similar work. Items assessed aspects such as enjoyment, overall organization, and amount of information for Module 0 and Module 1 using 7-point Likert-type response scales. Participants also provided open-ended suggestions for improvement. |
| Content and layout | At entry (around 20 weeks gestation) | Participants self-reported on 9 researcher-derived items assessing the content and layout of information presented in the STORK program such as platform layout, clarity and appropriateness of content using 7-point Likert-type response scales. Three open-ended questions asked about areas that were covered well, areas of improvement, and confusing terms/ideas. |
| Functionality | At entry (around 20 weeks gestation) | Two researcher-derived items assessed ease of navigation and the relevance of graphics (i.e., images/videos) using 7-point Likert-type response scales; an open-ended question asked about specific suggestions to functionality of the platform. |
| Inclusivity | At entry (around 20 weeks gestation) | Participants self-reported on their perceptions regarding inclusivity of the platform using 4 researcher-derived items completed on a 7-point Likert-type response scales. One open-ended question asked about specific suggestions to improve inclusivity of the program. |
| Time commitment | At entry (around 20 weeks gestation) | Participants self-reported how long it took them to complete the modules, and whether they considered this amount of time reasonable using a dichotomic (yes/no) item; if they responded negatively, then they were invited to provide reasons using an open-ended question. |
| Feasibility of the program's introductory modules - semi structured interview | At entry (around 20 weeks gestation) | After completing the module, a semi-structured interview was conducted. The interview included open-ended questions about the web platform, as well as specific questions regarding its content, relevancy, clarity, organization, aesthetics, navigation, and functionality. |
Countries
Canada
Outcome results
None listed