A web-based social-cognitive sexual counseling intervention for nurses: a pilot study

Abstract

Background and purpose: Nurses consider cardiac patients’ education and sexual counseling needs within their scope of responsibility, although infrequently addressed in practice, citing inadequate knowledge, skills and confidence to address sexual concerns. This study evaluated a web-based social-cognitive intervention for evidence-based sexual counseling by student nurses with cardiac patients. Methods: A pre-/post-test survey design was used to pilot test the intervention with baccalaureate students (N=57) in two Midwestern United States. The website included multiple methods of delivery and social-cognitive approaches for user integration of content, embedded in a secure website. Testing included: a pre-test (T1), immediate post-test after intervention (T2), and at 4–6 weeks postintervention (T3). Data were collected using the Survey of Sexuality Related Nursing Practices (SSRNP)-cardiac version. Statistical analysis: t-tests, ANOVA. Results: Participants were mostly women (84%), single (67%), White (83%), with a mean age of 26 years (R=21–48). From T1 to T3, the intervention significantly increased total SSRNP scores, and cardiac-specific scores for sexual counseling, sexual activity, and by patient gender (Table). For T1, T2 and T3, responsibility (F=12.03, p<0.001) and confidence (F=5.43, p=0.005) improved significantly.