A randomized controlled trial of an online support group addressing psychosexual distress among women treated for gynecologic cancer

Objective

To assess whether a 12-week, professionally facilitated, asynchronous online support group would reduce sexual distress (primary outcome) and improve sexual function, body image, depression symptoms, relationship satisfaction, and social support (secondary outcomes) in women treated for gynecologic cancer.

Methods

Participants were 398 women recruited from three Canadian provinces and one American cancer center in cohorts of 40. Participants were randomized (50:50 odds) to either the immediate treatment condition (ITC) or the waitlist control condition (WCC). Eligibility included: completed treatment for gynecologic cancer, disease-free for at least 3 months, no more than 5 years post-diagnosis, met criteria for psychosexual distress, willing to discuss sexual concerns, 18 years or older, English speaking, and access to a computer. Participants in the ITC received a 12-week online group along with psychoeducational material each week to stimulate discussion. Two 90-min synchronous sessions were offered in weeks 4 and 8.

Results

Reductions in sexual distress for ITC were not significantly different compared to WCC. Similarly, no treatment effects were observed for body image, depression, relationship satisfaction, or social support. ITC showed statistically significant improvements in sexual functioning compared to WCC, but these gains were not retained at 4-month follow-up.

Conclusion

Treatment effects were modest, although in the expected direction. As this study was underpowered, it offers preliminary evidence that an asynchronous, online psychoeducational support group may confer positive benefits for women's sexual functioning. The efficiency, convenience, and accessibility of online interventions has significant potential to close gaps in women's access to evidence-based sexual health care.