Introduction: Pregnancy and childbirth are important periods of women's life that cause hormonal and bodily changes, and these changes could have significant effects on sexual function.
Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of PLISSIT-based counselling model on the sexual function of women during the first six months after childbirth.
Material and methods: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial study from June to November, 2015. Ninety lactating women,with at least one sexual problem, were included in this study. Samples were recruited and randomized into two groups (intervention group and control group). Demographic and obstetric information, Edinberg postpartum depression, Larson's sexual satisfaction and female sexual function index questionnaire were used. Data were collected from participants at two points: before consultation and 4weeks after consultation. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software and Data were analyzed using the Paired t-test,dependent t-test with parametric data and Chi-square tests.
Results: Ninety women who were the nulliparous and lactating criteria subjects were randomly divided into two groups and all recruited women completed the questionnaires. Mean score of sexual function was 19.35 before consultation and 27.90 after consultation in experimental group. In the control group, mean score of sexual function was 20.55 before consultation and 22.41 after consultation. These differences were statistically significant in pre-counseling stage and 4 weeks after counseling in the two groups (P<0.001 and P=0.002). Four weeks after consultation, there was significant difference in the mean score of sexual function between the control and experimental groups (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the result of this study, sexual problems in lactating women decreased by using the PLISSIT model. The use of the PLISSIT model is recommended in health care setting.
Keywords: Iran; PLISSIT model; childbirth; female sexual dysfunction; postpartum; sexual health.