The Effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on the Sexual Function of Women with Maternal Near Miss: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: There is evidence that maternal near miss (MNM) may adversely affect sexual function later in life. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on the sexual function of women with MNM. Methods: Forty-eight women with MNM were randomly assigned to 2 groups: CBT (n = 24) and control (n = 24). Women in the CBT group received 8 counseling sessions based on CBT. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Women were requested to complete the FSFI questionnaire before and after the 8-session intervention. A total score of > 26 was considered normal sexual function. The intervention started in June and was completed in October 2021. The Shapiro-Wilk test, independent t-test, Chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney test were used to analyze the data. Results: Results: The scores of all components of sexual function improved in the CBT group compared to the control group as follows: Sexual desire (3.77 ± .64 vs. 2.25 ± .53, P < 0.001), sexual arousal (3.72 ± .45 vs. 2.40 ± .48, P < 0.001), lubrication (3.13 ± .35 vs. 2.60 ± .36, P < 0.001), orgasm (3.11 ± .45 vs. 1.0 ± .42, P < 0.001), sexual satisfaction (4.25 ± .52 vs. 2.83 ± .81, P < 0.001), pain (2.36 ± .80 vs. 4.21 ± .54, P < 0.001), total score of sexual function (20.37 ± 1.44 vs. 15.3 ± 1.40, P < 0.001). Conclusions: While CBT significantly improved the sexual function of women with MNM, their sexual performance score still did not fall within the normal range. Our results indicate that women with a near miss may require additional counseling sessions or alternative interventions.