The impact of couples’ sexual education based on social cognitive theory on women’s sexual self-efficacy during menopause; A quasi experimental study

Abstract

Objective(s): Sexual function is influenced by a complex interplay of environmental, social, psychological, and physical factors. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women is significant. Given that sexual self-efficacy is a key factor affecting sexual function, there is a need for an effective and sustainable intervention model. Additionally, involving spouses in educational sessions seems helpful. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of couples’ education based on social cognitive theory on postmenopausal women’s sexual self-efficacy. Methods: This study was a parallel quasi-experimental one. Participants included 70 couples, comprising postmenopausal women visiting six comprehensive health centers in Qom city. Convenience sampling was employed. Eligible postmenopausal women and their spouses were assigned to an intervention group (35 couples) that participated in training based on social cognitive theory, which consisted of six 90-minute sessions conducted weekly over six weeks. The control group (35 couples) attended a single session covering nutrition, physical activity, weight management, and blood pressure education. Data were collected through demographic information and a sexual self-efficacy questionnaire, which was administered exclusively to postmenopausal women before the intervention, immediately after, and two months post-intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests, chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and repeated measures two-way ANOVA. Results: Before the intervention, the mean sexual self-efficacy score was (51.07 ± 6.31) for the intervention group and (52.93 ± 5.48) for the control group, with no significant difference observed between them. Immediately after the intervention, the mean sexual self-efficacy score in the intervention group increased to (84.78 ± 5.30), while the control group scored (50.51 ± 6.02), indicating a significant difference between the two groups. Two months post-training, the mean sexual self-efficacy score for the intervention group rose to (95.14 ± 5.99), compared to (54.72 ± 5.86) for the control group, again showing a significant difference. The results indicated that the variables of time (P=0.01), group (P=0.007), and the interaction between time and group (P=0.001) demonstrated significant differences. Conclusion: The educational intervention based on social cognitive theory was effective in enhancing the sexual self-efficacy of postmenopausal women in Qom who participated in the training sessions with their husbands. After completing six training sessions, both immediately and two months later, there was a noticeable increase in the sexual self-efficacy of these women. Future studies are encouraged to evaluate sexual self-efficacy in men who undergo training alongside their spouses .