Aims and objectives

To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions for women with breast cancer on sexual function, sexual satisfaction, sexual relationships, sexual distress and sexual quality of life.

Background

Sexual dysfunction is common in women with breast cancer and seriously affects their quality of life and marital harmony. Several studies have explored the effects of psychological interventions related to sexual function of women with breast cancer, but results were inconclusive.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Method

A search of PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, ClinicalTrials.gov. and Open Grey was conducted from inception to 9 May 2021. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data and conducted a quality appraisal of included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists.

Results

Fifteen studies involving 1307 participants were included. The current study showed that psychological interventions made statistically significant improvements in sexual function (SMD = 0.82; 95% CI = [0.43, 1.20]; p < .001), sexual satisfaction (SMD = 0.95; 95% CI = [0.19, 1.72]; p = .01), sexual relationships (SMD = 0.37; 95% CI = [0.15, 0.60]; p = .001) and sexual distress (MD = −5.05; 95% CI = [−7.88, −2.22]; p = .0005) of women with breast cancer. A subgroup analysis regarding the types of psychological interventions indicated that cognitive behavioural therapy and psychoeducational therapy were beneficial to sexual function and satisfaction, and psychosexual counselling could also improve sexual function.

Conclusion

Psychological interventions, especially psychoeducational therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy, are effective for improving the sexual health of women with breast cancer.

Relevance to clinical practice

This current study provides evidence for the application of psychosexual interventions in women with breast cancer.

Registration

The study has been registered on the PROSPERO on 6 June 2021, with the registration number CRD42021253493.