The Effect of Consulting Based On PLISSIT Model on Marital Satisfaction of Women during Pregnancy

Abstract

Background & aim: Pregnancy is a critical period in the women's life which causes great changes in their feelings, sexual desire, satisfaction and sexual compatibility and the number of sexual intercourses. This study was carried out to determine the effect of counseling based on the PLISSIT model on marital satisfaction of women during pregnancy. Methods: This was an interventional study and conducted on 128 pregnant women with gestational age of 13 to 33 weeks, who were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received sexual counselling based on the PLISSIT model and control group received routine care. The marital satisfaction score was measured 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test and paired t-test. Results: Comparing the mean score of marital satisfaction among pregnant women in the two groups showed no statistically significant difference between groups before intervention (P=0.524). However, the mean score of marital satisfaction in the second and fourth weeks after intervention was higher in the intervention than control group (p <0.001). Also, the results of paired t-test showed that the mean score of marital satisfactionin the intervention group was significantly increased after intervention (p <0.05), whereas in the control group, no significant difference in the marital satisfaction score was seen over time. Conclusion: Sexual counseling based on PLISSIT model can improve marital satisfaction in pregnant women. It is, therefore, recommended to incorporate sexual counseling in the prenatal care of pregnant wome, particularly those with sexual dissatisfaction.