Background: Sexual dysfunction is a complication of transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). There is a lack of knowledge of the effect of discharge programs aiming at improving sexual function in older patients undergoing TURP. Objective: To investigate the effect of the nurse-led sexual health discharge program on the sexual function of older patients undergoing TURP. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 80 older patients undergoing TURP in an urban area of Iran. Samples were selected using a convenience method and were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups (n = 40 in each group). The sexual health discharge program was conducted by a nurse in three sessions of 30-45 min for the intervention group. Sexual function scores were measured using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Questionnaire, one and three months after the intervention. Results: The intervention significantly improved erectile function (p = 0.044), sexual desire (p = 0.01), satisfaction with sexual intercourse (p = 0.03), overall satisfaction with sexual function (p = 0.01), and the general score of sexual function (p = 0.038), three months after the program. In the first month after the intervention, except in sexual desire (p = 0.028), no statistically significant effect of the program was reported (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The nurse-led sexual health discharge program led to the improvement of the sexual function of older patients undergoing TURP over time. This program can be incorporated into routine discharge programs for the promotion of well-being in older patients.
Keywords: cancer; discharge planning; education; nursing; older patients; sexual function; transurethral resection of prostate.