problems with sexuality and intimacy Sexual dysfunctions and intimacy problems
Conditions
Interventions
The intervention consists of an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy
program with a maximum duration of 20 weeks. Women will be motivated by the
sexologist to involve their partner in the tre
discuss intimacy with partner, sensate
focus) and reporting back to the therapist and receiving feedback on homework
assignments. The purpose of the internet-based therapy is to provide women with
Sponsors
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis
Eligibility
Age
18 Years to 99 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: The study sample will be composed of 160 women, between 18 and 65 years of age, with histologically confirmed breast cancer, who received treatment in one of the participating hospitals. All women will have completed treatment (with the exception of endocrine therapy), received their diagnosis between 6 months and 5 years prior to study entry, and will be disease-free at time of study entry. Potentially eligible women will be screened for the presence of sexuality and intimacy problems.
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Women will be excluded from the study if they: lack basic proficiency in Dutch; do not have access to the internet; exhibit serious cognitive or psychiatric problems (i.e. major depression, alcohol dependency, or psychotic disorders); report severe relationship problems for which the internet-based program is not designed (and which need to be addressed prior to undergoing sex therapy); are participating in a concurrent therapy program to alleviate their sexuality/intimacy problems; or have been treated for another type of cancer besides breast cancer (with the exception of cervical carcinoma in situ and basal cell carcinoma).
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The primary study outcomes are sexuality problems, as assessed with the Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ), the Female Sexual Dysfunction Index (FSFI), and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), and intimacy problems, as assessed with the PAIR Inventory. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The secondary study outcomes are body image (QLQ-BR23), menopausal symptoms (FACT-ES), marital functioning (MMQ), psychological distress (HADS), and health related quality of life (MOS SF-36). | — |
Countries
Netherlands
Outcome results
None listed