Effect of a social network-based supportive program (WhatsApp) on the sexual self-concept of women with breast cancer: A single-blind-randomized controlled trial

Objectives Sexual self-concept has an influence on the sexual behaviors of women with breast cancer. Supportive programs for these women have demonstrable empirical efficacy; however, their effectiveness has not been examined. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a supportive program based on social networks on the sexual self-concept of women with breast cancer. Methods In this randomized controlled single-blind trial, 60 women were assigned to the intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups using permuted block randomization. Overall, eight 45-min intervention sessions were held (twice a week). The primary outcome was sexual self-concept, and the secondary outcomes were women's sexual quality of life and participants' satisfaction. The questionnaires were completed by patients before the intervention and immediately and 1 month after the intervention. Results The generalized equation estimation test showed that the positive sexual self-concept score of the intervention group versus the control group had increased by 15.67 points (P < 0.001, effect size = 2.00) 1 month after the intervention. The negative sexual self-concept score had decreased by 2.65 points (P < 0.001, effect size = 0.74), and the situational sexual self-concept score had upturned by 6.82 points (P < 0.001, effect size = 2.08) in the intervention group at the same period. Also, the sexual quality of life score in the intervention group compared to the control group generally increased by 13.82 points (P < 0.001, Effect size = 2.08) 1 month following the intervention. Significance of the results A social networking support program can be a promising approach to improve the sexual self-concept of women with breast cancer.