Effectiveness of Online Versus Telephone Counseling of Rational-Emotional-Behavioral Therapy on Sexual Function of Women Undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Randomized Clinical Trial:.

Background:Sexual function in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVDs) is often associated with anxiety and irrational beliefs. Moreover, 60-78% of patients with CVDs report sexual problems. Some studies suggest that sexual counseling is necessary for these patients but is not usually provided for them. Online or telephone counseling may be helpful during the covid-19 pandemic, but studies on its application to sexual function appear to be limited. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of online vs. telephone counseling of rational-emotional-behavioral therapy (REBT) on the sexual function of women undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 46 women diagnosed with CVDs under rehabilitation were assigned into online and telephone groups. Overall, eight 60-min intervention sessions were held (once a week). The Female's Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was completed by the women at baseline, week 8th, and follow-up week 12th (main outcome). Results: FSFI scores between the two groups at baseline (online: 13.28±2, telephone: 12.68±1.52, P=0.254) compared to week 12th (online 28.86±2.44, telephone, 26.6±2.10, P=0.002) were significantly different. As for within-group comparison in baseline compared to week 12th statistically significant difference was observed in all subscales of FSFI (P=0.05). Conclusion: Online and telephone REBT counseling can improve the sexual function of women undergoing cardiac rehabilitation, but online counseling appears to be more effective. Thus, this method is recommended to improve the sexual function of these women during the covid-19 pandemic. [GMJ.2022;11:e2396].

The effect of group assertive training on the self-esteem and quality of life in the spouses of drug-abusing patients.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to examine the effect of group assertive training on self-esteem and quality of life among spouses of drug-abusing patients. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial assignment study with a control group. The statistical population included all spouses of drug users referring to private addiction treatment centers in Tehran-Iran in 2020 and the sample included 50 spouses of drug users who were selected by simple random sampling from among the volunteers. They were randomly divided into two groups control and experimental, each group consisting of 25 people. RESULTS: The results of data analysis showed that group assertive training increased self-esteem and quality of life in spouses of drug-abusing patients in the experimental group compared to the witness group (p < .001). CONCLUSION: As a result, group assertive training is effective in increasing the self-esteem and quality of life among the spouses of drug-abusing patients.