Effectiveness of postpartum sexual health education programme structured according to Levine's conservation model: An interventional study.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effects of a postpartum sexual health education programme structured according to Levine's conservation model on postpartum women. Methods: The interventional study was completed with 67 postpartum women. The intervention group was given the postpartum sexual health education programme structured according to Levine's conservation model. The control group received routine discharge training. The data were collected using a personal information form, The Index of Female Sexual Function, Arizona Sexual Experience Scale and Golombok–Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction. Results: It has been determined that the decrease in sexual arousal and desire is the first among postpartum sexual problems experienced by women. This study demonstrated that sexual function, sexual satisfaction and sexual response were higher in nonbreastfeeding women, women who had sexual intercourse one to three times a week and women who could talk to health care professionals on sexual matters. After the programme, the intervention group had more adequate sexual function, and they developed a strong, easy and satisfactory sexual response than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This programme was effective in increasing the sexual functions and satisfaction of the postpartum women. Models provide guidance to nurses for provision of care in a systematic manner. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? Sexual health is influenced by physical and mental health status, neurological and hormonal changes and life cycles that lead to changes in body structure or functions. Postpartum period is also one of these life cycles.Studies on care practices for the improvement of sexual health in postpartum women are limited. What this paper adds? This study is important because an important theory of nursing discipline has been used to improve sexual health in postpartum women at the first time. This study presents beneficial and generalizable results for women in different life cycles.The sexual health education programme implemented on the basis of the Levine's model can contribute to the formation of easier/satisfactory sexual response by partners and increase the quality of sexual functions/intercourse. The implications of this paper: Perinatal nurses have many opportunities to prevent sexual dysfunction, to diagnose early and to develop culturally sensitive interventions to improve sexual health.Nurses must benefit from various nursing models to systematize health care during the fulfilment of these responsibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]