The impact of a group psychoeducational appointment on women with sexual dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
There is little evidence to support many treatment modalities for women with sexual dysfunction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and bibliotherapy are associated with improved sexual outcomes. We evaluated the impact of a group psychoeducational intervention on sexual function outcome measures in women with sexual concerns.


METHODS
Women with concerns of sexual function were referred to a group sexuality appointment. Before the visit, the women completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Class participants completed the FSFI at 1-, 3-, and 6-months after the intervention to evaluate changes in sexual function.


RESULTS
Thirty-three women attended the group appointment between January and December 2006. Twenty-five women with an age range from 28-70 years completed a demographic and baseline FSFI questionnaire. All participants showed a baseline FSFI score indicating sexual dysfunction. At least 1 postclass FSFI was completed by 64% of participants. Significant improvement in most FSFI domain scores and the full scale score (P = .0073) was seen in these women.


CONCLUSIONS
Participating in a group sexuality appointment improved quantitative outcome measures in women with sexual dysfunction. This intervention may provide an effective means for women's health care clinicians with limited time and expertise about sexual function to meet the needs of their patients with sexual concerns.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, OR 97005, USA. wendy.j.smith@kp.org
Wendy J
WJ
Smith
Kate
K
Beadle
Elizabeth J
EJ
Shuster
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome