Preliminary evaluation of the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of an online sexual health educational video series for breast cancer patients

Abstract

Purpose: Sexual health-related side effects during breast cancer treatment are common and distressing but not always expected by patients. We created an online sexual health educational video series to increase patients' awareness of these issues. In this exploratory study, we aimed to evaluate the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the video series among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

Methods: This was a repeat-measure, single-arm preliminary study where eligible and interested patients completed a baseline questionnaire within one month of diagnosis or surgical evaluation. Enrolled participants accessed the online sexual health video series. A follow-up questionnaire evaluating acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility was administered after 6 months. Descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and thematic analysis were utilized.

Results: Twenty-eight participants (January-June 2024) with mean age of 48 years (± 8 years) comprised the present analysis with 86%White, 4% Hispanic, 89% straight/heterosexual, 86% married/partnered, and 68% Stage I at diagnosis. Eleven participants (39%) completed the 6-month survey. Of the nine participants who reported watching the online videos, mean acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility on a 5-point Likert scale was 4.1 (± 1.0), 4.3 (± 0.7), and 4.4 (± 0.7), respectively. Qualitative feedback showed strong endorsement for the video series and offered suggested improvements.

Conclusion: Breast cancer patients lack access to adequate sexual health resources during treatment, but an online educational video series has the potential to be acceptable, appropriate, and feasible as an educational resource. This video series fills a unique gap in patient care and has the potential to significantly advance the sexual health resources available to breast cancer patients and survivors.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Registration No. NCT06121258, Registration Date: 11/7/2023.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Patient-centered resources; Quality of life; Sexual health.