| Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common complaints of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study aimed to determine the efect of counseling based on the extended
PLISSIT model (Permission, Limited Information, Specifc Suggestion, and Intensive
Therapy) on sexual dysfunction and the quality of sexual life of married women with MS.
This randomized clinical trial was performed on 70 married women with MS aged between
18 and 45 years referring to the MS Association of Tabriz, Iran. The data were collected
using a demographic questionnaire, Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19), Sexual Quality of Life for a Female, Fatigue Severity Scale, and
Beck Depression Inventory-Short Form Items (BDI-13). A neurologist rated the disability
level using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Using randomization, the participants
with a score of 4 or 5 in each item of MSISQ-19 were assigned to counseling and the
control group, with block sizes of four and six and allocation ratio of 1:1. The intervention
group attended a counseling session or more if needed, based on the EX-PLISSIT model.
Data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 25). Independent t test and ANCOVA
were used to analyze the data. After intervention, there was a signifcant diference between
the two groups in terms of primary and tertiary sexual dysfunctions [AMD, −7.84; 95%
CI −14.82 to −0.86; P=0.02]. Despite an increased mean score of quality of sexual life
in the intervention group after counseling, there was no statistically signifcant diference
between the two groups [AMD, 9.29; 95% CI −1.46 to 20.04; P=0.08]. Although counseling based on EX-PLISSIT had a positive efect on decreasing sexual dysfunction, it
could not improve the quality of sexual life of women sufering from MS. Applying sexual
counseling approaches with a focus on couple counseling is suggested for improving the
quality of sexual life. |