Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Consultation on Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran;
2
Maternal and Childhood Obesity Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran;
3
Department of Public Health, School of Health, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
10.30476/ijcbnm.2024.101425.2420
Abstract
Background: Uterine and Cervical cancer survivors face challenges like the disruption of emotional
and sexual relationships, struggle to maintain sexual life and intimacy, and the possibility of
divorce. The study aimed to determine the effect of group counseling based on couples’ constructive
communication on perceived spousal support in uterine and cervical cancer survivors.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial on 40 women who survived uterine and cervical cancer were
recruited using convenience sampling and then randomly allocated to a couple-based constructive
communication intervention group and a routine cancer center care control group from June 2019 to
March 2020 in Motahhari and Imam Khomeini hospitals in Urmia. The intervention group was involved
in a group counseling session weekly for 5 weeks, regarding constructive couple communication skills.
Perceived spouse support was assessed using the sources of social support scale which has 4 subscales
informational, instrumental, emotional, and negative support before and one week after the end of the
intervention in both groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 24 through Independent
and paired t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon, chi-square, and ANCOVA. P value<0.05 was
considered statistically significant.
Results: The effect of the intervention was statistically significant in reducing negative support in
the intervention group (2.70±0.80) in comparison with the control group (3.40±1.04) (P=0.03). It was
also statistically significant in increasing informational support (3.45±0.71 vs. 2.15±0.80, P<0.001),
instrumental support (3.15±0.58 vs. 2.85±0.74, P<0.001), and emotional support (19.40±1.60 vs.
16.10±2.10, P<0.001).
Conclusion: Group counseling based on couple constructive communication increased perceived
spousal support in uterine and cervical cancer survivors
Trial Registration Number: IRCT20150125020778N22.
Keywords
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