THE IMPACT OF WHATSAPP BASED EX-PLISSIT MODEL SEXUAL COUNSELING ON THE SEXUAL LIVES OF BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

THE EFFECT OF WHATSAPP BASED EX-PLISSIT MODEL SEXUAL COUNSELING ON SEXUAL FUNCTION AND SEXUAL DISTRESS IN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

Cancer is a significant health problem negatively impacting human health due to population growth, aging, and lifestyle changes known to cause cancer. According to World Health Organization sources, the number of newly diagnosed cancer patients, which was 19.3 million in 2020, is projected to reach 30.2 million in 2040. Breast cancer, the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in the female population worldwide, has an incidence of 47.8 per 100,000 globally and 47.7 per 100,000 in Turkey, according to 2020 GLOBOCAN data. Surgical treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapies used in the treatment of breast cancer, which has a high incidence worldwide and causes significant loss of workforce, have become important in altering the course of the disease. However, long-term treatments and related complications negatively affect the sexual functions of individuals. Women and men of reproductive age diagnosed with cancer; Even if they have survived cancer and benefited from curative treatments, they face sexual problems caused by the treatment. Individuals diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer experience difficulties in accessing counseling on issues related to their sexuality.Studies have shown that patients are hesitant to discuss sexual matters, need information about sexual problems during and after cancer treatment, but sexual counseling is not included in oncology care, and healthcare professionals focus more on medical issues. In this context, healthcare professionals can utilize many models for sexual counseling. The use of models in assessing sexual health guides healthcare professionals, facilitates the history-taking process, and helps in identifying sexual problems. The International Society for Research on Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) aims to establish a basic methodological strategy for identifying sexual problems in women and considering biological, psychological, sociocultural, and related factors that may cause sexual problems. The use of professional sexual assessment models by nurses in questioning and evaluating patient sexuality will be healthier and more effective. PLISSIT and EX-PLISSIT models are widely used by nurses working in primary care settings to address sexual health needs and concerns.

The PLISSIT model consists of four levels: P - Permission, LI - Limited Information, SS - Specific Suggestions, and IT - Intensive Therapy. As the intervention stages of the PLISSIT model progress, more comprehensive knowledge, training, and skills are required. The Ex-PLISSIT model has been developed as an extension of the PLISSIT model. Ex-PLISSIT is a more expanded version of the PLISSIT model, with the permission stage at its center. One cannot proceed to the next stage without obtaining permission.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women diagnosed with breast cancer, stage 0, I, or II,
• Having undergone mastectomy, and at least 6 months having passed since the completion of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment,
• Aged 18-49, not pregnant, not breastfeeding, not menopausal,
• Women with sexual dysfunction (FSFI score 26.55 or lower), sexually active, married and living with their spouse.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women with chronic, psychological, and physical illnesses,
• Those with alcohol and substance abuse,
• Those who have previously received education or counseling for sexual dysfunction,
• Women diagnosed with cancer other than breast cancer