Obstet Gynecol Sci.  2022 Nov;65(6):502-512. 10.5468/ogs.22079.

Improving body image and sexual life among postpartum women: a single-blind-randomized controlled trial to evaluate a social network-based cognitive-behavioral intervention

• Talebi E
• Heidari M
• Elyasi F
• Jahanfar S
• Shahhosseini Z

• KMID: 2535958
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5468/ogs.22079

Abstract

Objective
To determine the effect of a social network-based cognitive-behavioral intervention on postpartum body image and sexual life of primiparous women.
Methods
In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 82 postpartum women were allocated into two intervention and control groups (allocation ratio, 1:1) using permuted block randomization. Primary outcome was change in body image scores between the groups over time. Secondary outcomes were genital self-image, sexual quality of life, and sexual satisfaction. The intervention group participated in eight (2 weeks) 60-minute sessions through WhatsApp (WhatsApp Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA). Data were collected at recruitment, post-intervention, and 1-month of follow-up.
Results
Cognitive-behavioral intervention had a medium effect on improving body image in postpartum women (partial eta squared, 0.33; P<0.001). The results showed significant differences between the two groups regarding sexual quality of life and sexual satisfaction at 1-month follow-up.
Conclusion
The results of this study can be used to develop psychological interventions targeting body image in postpartum women.

Keyword

Postpartum; Body image; Sexual health; Quality of life; Social media

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Consort flow diagram.

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  Fig. 2 Body image mean difference score from pre-intervention to 1-month follow-up in the intervention group.

Reference

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