Meta-analysis finds PLISSIT counseling improves sexual life in women with MS
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Key Takeaway
Consider PLISSIT counseling for sexual life in women with MS, but evidence is not statistically significant.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of counseling interventions based on the PLISSIT model on the sexual life of women with multiple sclerosis (MS). The analysis included 232 women across multiple studies. The primary outcome was sexual life, measured by various scales.
The pooled effect size was high and positive (Hedges' g = 0.927), suggesting a substantial improvement in sexual life with PLISSIT-based counseling. However, the 95% confidence interval ranged from -1.122 to 2.976, and the p-value was 0.375, indicating that the result was not statistically significant. This wide confidence interval reflects considerable uncertainty.
The authors acknowledge several limitations, including the lack of statistically significant results and the need for future research with larger sample sizes and more homogeneous study groups. The comparator was not reported, and no information on adverse events, funding, or conflicts of interest was provided.
For clinicians, this meta-analysis suggests that PLISSIT-based counseling may have a positive effect on sexual life in women with MS, but the evidence is not definitive. The findings should be interpreted cautiously given the non-significant result and the small sample size. Larger, well-designed trials are needed to confirm these findings and guide practice.
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View Original Abstract ↓
BACKGROUND: Women with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) face significant challenges in their sexual life, including physical limitations and emotional barriers. The PLISSIT model offers a structured framework for counselors to address these issues effectively. This study aimed to investigate the effects of counseling interventions based on the PLISSIT model on the sexual life of women with MS through randomized controlled trials.
METHODS: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis study. Databases such as Google Scholar, OpenAIRE, Web of Science, Social Sciences Citation Index, Academic Search Ultimate, Complementary Index, Scopus, CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, and PubMed were searched for English-language studies without year restrictions up to February 2024. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3 software was used for data analysis. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the included studies using the Cochrane Collaboration tool.
RESULTS: Three randomized controlled trials with a total of 232 participants were included in this study. Counseling based on the PLISSIT model was found to have a high and positive effect on the sexual life of women with MS (Hedges' g = 0.927, 95 % CI = -1.122 to 2.976, p = 0.375).
CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that sexual counseling based on the PLISSIT model may have a positive impact on the sexual life of women with MS, although statistically significant results were not obtained. Future research with larger sample sizes and more homogeneous study groups may provide clearer results.
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