Sexual Counseling Training Generates Awareness in Gynecological Cancers

Sexual counseling training in gynecological cancers is effective at generating increased awareness among midwifery students, according to a study published in the International Journal of Community-Based Nursing and Midwifery. 

“It is very important to show health professionals and students that sexuality is important in women with gynecological cancer, to increase their awareness in this area, and to ensure the formation of positive attitudes toward sexuality,” the researchers noted.

In this randomized, controlled study, researchers used block randomization to allocate 36 students to a control group and 38 to an intervention group. Students in the intervention group attended 3 training sessions based on the PLISSIT model. Those in the control group underwent no training. Data were analyzed using the Gynecological Cancer Awareness Scale (GCAS) and Sexual Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (SABS).

In the intervention group, researchers observed a significant difference in both GCAS (P<.001) and SABS (P<.001) scores. There was no meaningful difference in GCAS (P=.16) or SABS (P=.26) scores in the control group.

Researchers noted that there was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of GCAS (P=.004) and SABS (P<.001) scores 1 month after training.

“Sexual counseling training in gynecological cancers according to the PLISSIT Model was effective in creating awareness and positive attitudes in midwifery students,” the researchers concluded.