Supporting couples' perinatal sexual well-being: a feasibility study of the introductory modules of a novel prevention program (STORK).

IF 2.1 Q3 MEDICINE, RESEARCH & EXPERIMENTAL

Pilot and Feasibility Studies Pub Date : 2026-07-21 DOI:10.1186/s40814-026-01878-8

Inês M Tavares, Samantha J Dawson, Erin T Fitzpatrick, Greta E Jang, Kyle R Stephenson, Natalie O Rosen

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Most new parents will experience changes to their sexual relationship during the perinatal period, yet no accessible prevention programs exist to support couples in navigating these changes. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of the introductory modules of an online couple-based program (STORK) designed to promote perinatal sexual well-being. The program is grounded in empirically established risk and protective factors associated with couples' perinatal sexual well-being.

Methods: We conducted a single-group feasibility study with eleven couples (22 individuals) expecting their first child (mean gestation 20 weeks). Couples completed the orientation and first STORK modules during a 2-h online session with a researcher. Participants then completed an online survey evaluating the program's feasibility and content. Qualitative semi-structured interviews and online questionnaires assessed participants' experiences with the platform, focusing on usability, acceptability, clarity, relevance, and overall satisfaction.

Results: Participants reported high acceptability, rating both modules as clear and logical (mean = 5.6-5.9/7), enjoyable (mean = 4.7-6.1/7), helpful (mean = 5.0-5.7/7), and relevant (mean = 6.1/7). The platform was rated as easy to navigate (mean = 5.6/7) and highly inclusive (mean = 6.0-6.1/7). Most participants found the time commitment reasonable (95.5%), and 91% considered weekly completion with their partner feasible. Qualitative feedback highlighted usability, well-structured content, inclusivity, and support for personal and relationship reflection.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that the STORK program is a feasible and acceptable resource to support couples' perinatal sexual well-being, warranting further evaluation of its effectiveness. A pilot randomized controlled trial is warranted and may facilitate a shift toward couple-focused perinatal prevention programs. The STORK program has the potential to fill a critical gap in perinatal healthcare by providing an accessible, evidence-based prevention program to support couples navigating sexual changes during pregnancy and postpartum.

Trial registration: This feasibility study was prospectively registered on June 17, 2025 (reg #2023-6719), and the registration can be found here: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07036484.

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支持夫妇的围产期性健康：一个新的预防方案（STORK）的介绍模块的可行性研究。

背景：大多数新父母在围产期会经历他们的性关系的变化，但没有可行的预防方案来支持夫妇应对这些变化。我们的目的是评估旨在促进围产期性健康的在线夫妇为基础的程序（STORK）的介绍模块的可行性。该方案是基于经验建立的风险和保护因素与夫妇的围产期性健康有关。方法：我们进行了一项单组可行性研究，11对夫妇（22人）期待他们的第一个孩子（平均妊娠20周）。在2小时的在线会议期间，夫妇们与研究人员一起完成了定向和第一个STORK模块。然后，参与者完成了一份在线调查，评估该计划的可行性和内容。定性半结构化访谈和在线问卷评估了参与者在平台上的体验，重点是可用性、可接受性、清晰度、相关性和总体满意度。结果：参与者报告了较高的可接受性，将两个模块评为清晰和逻辑（平均= 5.6-5.9/7），愉快（平均= 4.7-6.1/7），有用（平均= 5.0-5.7/7）和相关（平均= 6.1/7）。该平台被评为易于导航（平均= 5.6/7）和高度包容性（平均= 6.0-6.1/7）。大多数参与者认为时间承诺是合理的（95.5%），91%的人认为每周与伴侣一起完成是可行的。定性反馈强调可用性、结构良好的内容、包容性以及对个人和关系反思的支持。结论：研究结果表明，STORK计划是一种可行和可接受的资源，以支持夫妇围产期性健康，值得进一步评估其有效性。一项试点随机对照试验是必要的，可能有助于转向以夫妇为中心的围产期预防计划。STORK计划有可能填补围产期保健的关键空白，提供一个可获得的、基于证据的预防计划，以支持夫妇在怀孕期间和产后进行性改变。试验注册：本可行性研究已于2025年6月17日前瞻性注册（注册号2023-6719），注册可在这里找到：https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07036484。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Pilot and Feasibility Studies Medicine-Medicine (miscellaneous)

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

5.90%

发文量

241

审稿时长

9 weeks

期刊介绍： Pilot and Feasibility Studies encompasses all aspects of the design, conduct and reporting of pilot and feasibility studies in biomedicine. The journal publishes research articles that are intended to directly influence future clinical trials or large scale observational studies, as well as protocols, commentaries and methodology articles. The journal also ensures that the results of all well-conducted, peer-reviewed, pilot and feasibility studies are published, regardless of outcome or significance of findings. Pilot and feasibility studies are increasingly conducted prior to a full randomized controlled trial. However, these studies often lack clear objectives, many remain unpublished, and there is confusion over the meanings of the words “pilot” and “feasibility”. Pilot and Feasibility Studies provides a forum for discussion around this key aspect of the scientific process, and seeks to ensure that these studies are published, so as to complete the publication thread for clinical research.