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A randomized comparison of online mindfulness-based group sex therapy vs supportive group sex education to address sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors.

The journal of sexual medicine
January 1, 1970
Lori A Brotto et al. (6 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialComparative StudyHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of online mindfulness-based group sex therapy versus supportive sex education group therapy in improving sexual function, vaginal pain, and related psychological factors in breast cancer survivors.

Results Summary

Both mindfulness-based sex therapy and supportive sex education significantly improved sexual desire, distress, vaginal pain, interoceptive awareness, mindfulness, and rumination about sex, with no significant differences between the two treatments.

Population

Breast cancer survivors (n = 116)

Effective Dosage

8 weekly 2-hour online group sessions, with daily mindfulness exercises for the mindfulness group

Duration

8 weeks

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (22)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
online mindfulness-based group sex therapy
increase
sexual desire
breast cancer survivors
-
showed significant improvements
#1
online mindfulness-based group sex therapy
decrease
sexual distress
breast cancer survivors
-
showed significant improvements
#2
online mindfulness-based group sex therapy
decrease
vaginal pain
breast cancer survivors
-
showed significant improvements
#3
online supportive sex education group therapy
increase
sexual desire
breast cancer survivors
-
showed significant improvements
#4
online supportive sex education group therapy
decrease
sexual distress
breast cancer survivors
-
showed significant improvements
#5
online supportive sex education group therapy
decrease
vaginal pain
breast cancer survivors
-
showed significant improvements
#6
online mindfulness-based group sex therapy
increase
interoceptive awareness
breast cancer survivors
-
significantly improved
#7
online mindfulness-based group sex therapy
increase
mindfulness
breast cancer survivors
-
significantly improved
#8
online mindfulness-based group sex therapy
decrease
rumination about sex
breast cancer survivors
-
significantly improved
#9
online supportive sex education group therapy
increase
interoceptive awareness
breast cancer survivors
-
significantly improved
#10
online supportive sex education group therapy
increase
mindfulness
breast cancer survivors
-
significantly improved
#11
online supportive sex education group therapy
decrease
rumination about sex
breast cancer survivors
-
significantly improved
#12
mindfulness-based sex therapy
increase
sexual function
breast cancer survivors
-
effective for improving
#13
mindfulness-based sex therapy
decrease
vaginal pain
breast cancer survivors
-
effective for improving
#14
mindfulness-based sex therapy
decrease
rumination
breast cancer survivors
-
effective for improving
#15
mindfulness-based sex therapy
increase
mindfulness
breast cancer survivors
-
effective for improving
#16
mindfulness-based sex therapy
increase
interoceptive awareness
breast cancer survivors
-
effective for improving
#17
supportive sex education
increase
sexual function
breast cancer survivors
-
effective for improving
#18
supportive sex education
decrease
vaginal pain
breast cancer survivors
-
effective for improving
#19
supportive sex education
decrease
rumination
breast cancer survivors
-
effective for improving
#20
supportive sex education
increase
mindfulness
breast cancer survivors
-
effective for improving
#21
supportive sex education
increase
interoceptive awareness
breast cancer survivors
-
effective for improving
#22
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sexual difficulties and vaginal pain are common following treatment for breast cancer. AIM: The goal of this study was to evaluate an online mindfulness-based group sex therapy vs an online supportive sex education group therapy to address these sexual difficulties. METHODS: Breast cancer survivors (n = 118) were randomized to 1 of the 2 arms; 116 provided informed consent and completed the time 1 assessment. Treatment included 8 weekly 2-hour online group sessions. Those randomized to the mindfulness group completed daily mindfulness exercises, and those in the comparison arm read and completed exercises pertaining to sex education. OUTCOMES: Assessments were repeated at posttreatment and 6 months after the completion of the group. RESULTS: There was a main effect of treatment on primary endpoints of sexual desire, sexual distress, and vaginal pain, with all outcomes showing significant improvements, with no differential impact by treatment arm. Secondary endpoints of interoceptive awareness, mindfulness, and rumination about sex also significantly improved with both treatments, with no group-by-time interaction. CONCLUSION: Both mindfulness-based sex therapy and supportive sex education delivered in group format online are effective for improving many facets of sexual function, vaginal pain, rumination, mindfulness, and interoceptive awareness in breast cancer survivors. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: We used a randomized methodology. Future studies should seek to diversify participants. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings highlight the need to offer similar treatments to more breast cancer survivors immediately after and in the years following cancer treatment as a means of improving survivorship quality of life.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansMindfulnessFemaleBreast NeoplasmsCancer SurvivorsMiddle AgedSexual Dysfunction, PhysiologicalPsychotherapy, GroupSex EducationAdultSexual Dysfunctions, PsychologicalInternet-Based Intervention
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations4
Citations/Year4.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score1.55
Normalized Score0.70
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