Effectiveness trial of an online self-help intervention for sexual problems after cancer
Leslie R. Schover, Sara Strollo, Kevin Stein, Elizabeth A. Fallon, Tenbroeck Smith
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction affects over 60% of cancer survivors. Internet interventions have improved sexual function, but with considerable clinician guidance, restricting scalability. This pragmatic trial evaluated an online, self-help intervention. As with many unguided digital interventions, attrition was high. Given low numbers in other groups, this paper focuses on 30% of female patient participants who completed 3-month questionnaires and visited the intervention site (N = 60). Benefits included increased sexually active individuals at follow-up (p < 0.001, Effect size = 0.54), improved sexual function (p < 0.001, Effect size = -0.76, N = 41), and increased use of sexual aids (p = 0.01, Effect size=-0.14, N = 58). The intervention has been revised to improve patient engagement.