| Learning Objective #1: The learner will be able to identify that the changed sexual life after breast cancer can be reframe through the nursing intervention. | |||
| Learning Objective #2: The learner will be able to identify that a sexual life reframing program is effective in increasing sexual satisfaction. |
The purposes of this study were to develop and investigate the effect of a sexual life reframing program on marital intimacy, body image and sexual function (sexual interest, sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction) among breast cancer survivors.
Methods
A sexual life reframing program was developed from analysis of the literature and interview the basic concepts of the program were selected. The context and content for the program were constructed based on the literature, centering on physical, psychological, and relational aspects of sexual health elements delivered through focused approaches on perception, cognition, and application. The proportion of these focused approaches varied by the main theme for the particular session. Each session was divided into introduction, main activity, and conclusion, and the program consisted of six weekly 2-hour sessions.
This study was a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design(22 experimental, 23 control). The program effects were measured by marital intimacy, body image, sexual interest, sexual dysfunction, and sexual satisfaction.
Results
The experimental and control groups were homogeneous in marital intimacy, body image, sexual interest, sexual dysfunction, and sexual satisfaction. There were no statically significant differences in marital intimacy, body image, sexual interest, and sexual dysfunction. Sexual satisfaction score increased significantly higher in the experimental group (t=3.77, p=.00).
Conclusion
The sexual life reframing program was effective in increasing sexual satisfaction among breast cancer survivors. This study is meaningful as the first nursing intervention program developed to assist Korean breast cancer survivors identify their sexual problems and reframe their sexual life. However, study findings were insufficient in explaining the program of a effect on marital intimacy, body image, sexual interest, and sexual dysfunction among breast cancer survivors. The effects of the sexual life reframing program, employing multiple measurements over a longer period of time, adjusting program length, and considering the use of alternative measures may be constructive.