Online Psychoeducation for Sexual Dysfunction in Cancer Survivors

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to test an online psychoeducational intervention for men and women with sexual difficulties after surgery for colorectal (men and women) or gynecological (women only) cancer. A psychoeducational intervention is a brief, educational treatment that encourages participants to also pay attention to, and modify, their thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.

Detailed Description
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Experiencing a diagnosis of cancer may dramatically alter the way a person feels about themselves, their body, and their significant relationships at sexual and intimate levels1. Cancer and its treatments affect the physiological, psychological, and sociological realms of a survivor's life and his/her ability to experience sexual health. Sexual health is recognized as an integral aspect of quality of life (QOL) during cancer and is increasingly receiving research and clinical attention. Sexual changes following the treatment of gynaecologic (i.e.: ovarian, endometrial, cervical) and colorectal cancers are common though often not discussed. Moreover, cancer survivors express dissatisfaction that sexual concerns, and treatment of them, are not discussed in the context of their cancer care. Oncologists frequently are faced with patients inquiring about sexual changes with cancer treatment, but are usually not equipped with accurate and comprehensive data on the precise sexual symptoms to expect or where to refer patients with sexual concerns. The aims of the study are to assess the efficacy of a 12-module online psychoeducational intervention for sexual health (OPES) on (1) the primary endpoint of sexual distress in male and female cancer survivors with sexual problems; (2) the secondary sexuality-related endpoints of sexual desire, arousal (women) or erection (men), orgasm, and sexual pain; (3) on mood, relationship satisfaction, and quality of life; and (4) to assess gender differences in the proportion of survivors improved on sexual distress.

Official Title
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Online Psychoeducation for Sexual Dysfunction in Cancer Survivors

Conditions
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Sexual Dysfunction

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: online psychoeducation


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: aged 19-70, treatment of gynaecologic or colorectal cancer by one of the surgical oncologists of the gynaecology or colorectal teams of the BC Cancer Agency centres or satellite sites, received treatment in the past 5 years currently in a relationship currently experiencing sexual dysfunction, and able to participate (both physically and emotionally) in completion of an online psychoeducational treatment. Exclusion Criteria: -

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 19 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: online psychoeducation<br> | Behavioral: online psychoeducation<br>* The online psychoeducation contains 12 modules which will be administered once per week over the course of three months. The content of each module is as follows: Important of sexuality to quality of life. & Definitions of sexual desire and arousal. Consideration of the predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors in his/her sexual difficulties. Sexual beliefs. Mindfulness. Genital anatomy and physiology. Body Image. Relationship satisfaction and communication. Body-oriented mindfulness exercises (focusing and self-observation). Using Thought records. Mindfulness and the thought stream. Sexual aids to boost arousal. Moving on. In addition to these weekly modules, all participants will have access to a moderated and password-protected bulletin board to which participants can post questions and the PI will respond.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sexual distress | measured by self report questionnaires | Questionnaires administered 1 week pre-treatment, 1 week post treatment and six months post treatment | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sexual function | measured by self-report questionnaires | Questionnaires administered 1 week pre-treatment, 1 week post- treatment and six months post treatment |