Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Sexual health promotion interventional program for women undergoing breast cancer treatment: Protocol for a mix‑methods study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Sanaz Zangeneh 1
. Mitra Savabi-Esfahani 2
. Fariba Taleghani 3
. Mohammad Reza Sharbafchi 4
. Mehrdad Salehi 5

1 Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Department of Adult Health Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Omid Hospital, Iranian Cancer Control Center (MACSA), Isfahan, Iran

5 Department of psychiatry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Women undergoing breast cancer treatment, especially those of reproductive age,
experience sexual health challenges. The aim of this study is to design an interventional program
for promoting the sexual health of women undergoing breast cancer treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a mixed qualitative‑quantitative exploratory study consisting
of four phases. In the first phase, the needs and strategies for promoting sexual health of Iranian
women with breast cancer in Isfahan city will be identified through a qualitative study. The patients will
be selected using purposive sampling method and the data will be collected through semi‑structured
interviews. In the second phase of the study, the relevant literature will be reviewed. In the third phase,
the initial version of the program will be designed based on the results of qualitative study and review
of literature, the appropriate strategies are prioritized by the members of the panel of experts, and
then, the final interventional program is prepared. In the fourth phase, the designed interventional
program will be conducted as a quasi‑experimental study in two groups of intervention and control
and the effectiveness of the program on sexual quality of life, sexual satisfaction, and sexual function
of women undergoing breast cancer treatment will be evaluated. The type of the intervention will be
selected based on the results of the previous phases and the opinion of the expert panel.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are expected to contribute to the design of an interventional
program based on the needs of women undergoing breast cancer treatment and promote health and
meet the sexual health needs of breast cancer patients.

Keywords

Breast cancer
mixed method
sexual health
study protocol
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 12, Issue 5
June 2022
Pages 1-6

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