Effectiveness of the PLISSIT-based Counseling on sexual function of women

Sexual dysfunction is common among women. It affects on all aspects of women's life. Majority of these problems can be treated in early stages with counseling and a few numbers of them need to be treated by specialists. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of PLISSIT-based counseling model on sexual function of women. This was a randomized clinical trial study. It was conducted in an urban health center in Zanjan. Eighty women who were married in the previous 5 years, and had sexual problems, randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. The experimental group received consultation based on PLISSIT model (Permission-limited Information-Specific Suggestion-Intensive Therapy) by a trained midwife and the control group received routine sexual consultation. Demographic and obstetric information were gathered through standard questionnaire. FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) questionnaire were used for assessing sexual function. Data were collected from participants at three points: before consultation, 2weeks and 4weeks after consultation. Mann-Whitney, T-tests and x2 used for data analysis. Mean scores of sexual function were 25.3 before consultation, 28.8 two weeks after and 29.4 four weeks after consultation in experimental group. These differences were statistically significant (p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). In control group, mean scores of sexual function were 24.48, 24.44, 23.74 before, 2 weeks, 4 weeks after consultation respectively. These differences were not statistically significant (p=0.946 and p=0.375). There was no significant difference in mean score of sexual function between control and experimental groups before intervention (p=0.408). However 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the consultation this difference was significant (p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively). Based on the result of this study, we can claim that sexual problem in women decreased by using the PLISSIT model. Using the PLISSIT model is recommended in health care setting.