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Initial Development of a Brief Mind-Body Sexual Well-Being Program for Female Colorectal and Anal Cancer Survivors: A
Lucy Finkelstein-Fox1,2,3, Isabelle L Miranda1, Lorraine C Drapek4
1Health Promotion and Resiliency Intervention Research (HPRIR) Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, USA.
Background:
Many female colorectal and anal cancer survivors experience distressing changes to sexual well-being (e.g., dyspareunia, low libido) after treatment. Though mind-body programming has previously shown benefit for women's sexual well-being, no existing program is available to address women's sexual well-being specifically following colorectal and anal cancer treatment.
Objective:
This two-phase study describes initial development of a group mind-body program for women's sexual well-being in colorectal and anal cancer survivorship.
Methods:
Phase 1 includes individual interviews with 18 female colorectal and anal cancer survivors and 8 clinicians at an academic comprehensive cancer center, focusing on intervention priorities and session content. In Phase 2, female colorectal and anal cancer survivors from the same cancer center participated in an open pilot trial of the group sexual well-being program (6 weeks; 2 groups with 6 participants in total). Qualitative and quantitative feedback regarding preliminary feasibility and acceptability were interpreted holistically to inform next steps for intervention refinement.
Results:
In Phase 1, patients identified priorities for intervention, clarified interest in mind-body practices, and highlighted key program modifications (e.g., addressing ostomy use, prioritizing patient privacy in groups). Clinicians expressed positive feedback on the proposed intervention and noted key areas of unmet need for the patients they serve. In Phase 2, preliminary program feasibility (100% of those enrolled attending at least 4 of 6 sessions) and acceptability (83.3% rating their comfort level in groups ≥ 4 on a 5-point scale) were supported. Average group cohesiveness across 6 valid items was high (M = 4.6, range 3.8-5.0).
Conclusion:
There is clear need for specialized sexual well-being programming for female colorectal and anal cancer survivors. The initial iteration of this mind-body group program was well-received by participants with several key areas for improvement identified that will inform iterative refinement of this novel group intervention.
