The effect of a psycho-educational intervention on sexuality of women with acute coronary syndromes: a randomized controlled trial

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) often have sexual dysfunction, and difficulty with sexual adjustment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PLLISIT sexual counseling on sexual function, self-perception and adjustment of women with ACS patients. A total of 34 women aged 30–65 years with acute coronary syndrome were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received three sessions of one-hour PLLISIT-based sexual counseling and the control group received routine care. Female sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Sexual Self-Perception and Adjustment Questionnaire (SSPAQ) were used at baseline, one month and 3 months later for evaluation. There was no significant difference in FSFI and SSPAQ scores at baseline between the two groups. However, three months after intervention, both mean FSFI and SSPAQ scores rose significantly in intervention group (P = 0.022). Subscales of sexual desire, subjective arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction in FSFI as well as sexual anxiety, sexual self-efficacy, and sexual satisfaction in SSPAQ also showed significant improvement after intervention. Considering the effectiveness of PLLISIT-based sexual counseling on sexual function and sexual adjustment in our patient with ACS, this intervention can be used to improve sexuality in these women.