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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Online-based interventions for sexual health among individuals with cancer: a systematic review

Authors: Hee Sun Kang, Hyun-Kyung Kim, Seong Man Park, Jung-Hee Kim

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Online interventions have the advantages of being widely available, accessible, comfortable, cost effective, and they can provide tailored information and support. Despite these benefits, the effects of specifically devised online intervention programs for cancer patients’ sexual problems are somewhat unclear. The aim of this review is to describe online-based interventions and to assess their effects on sexual health among cancer survivors and/or their partners.

Methods

We investigated the effects of online sexual interventions among individuals with cancer or their partners. Among these, we considered 4 eligible articles.

Results

Despite the diversity of contents of the interventions, the identified modes of delivery among most of the interventions were as follows: education, interactive methods, cognitive behavior therapy, tailored information, and self-monitoring. Methods of monitoring the interventions, including the utilization of the web site and post-treatment program rating, were reported. All the online intervention programs incorporated a focus on physical, psychological, cognitive, and social aspects of sexual health. Significant effects on patient sexual function and interest and the psychological aspect of sexual problems were reported.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that online-based interventions would be effective in improving the psycho-sexual problems of cancer survivors and their partners.
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Metadata
Title
Online-based interventions for sexual health among individuals with cancer: a systematic review
Authors
Hee Sun Kang
Hyun-Kyung Kim
Seong Man Park
Jung-Hee Kim
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-2972-6

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