Publication:

Effectiveness of sexual and reproductive health training program on knowledge and coping strategies of women with mental illness: a true experimental study

Background Women with mental illnesses (WMI) experience significant problems with their reproductive health and feel uncomfortable discussing sexual functioning with medical professionals. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the efficacy of the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) training program on knowledge and coping strategies among WMI.

Methods The study employed a true experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group. Individuals with SRH problems were selected using a simple random sampling technique from a random table for the experimental (n=65) and control (n=65) groups. The experimental group received the SRH training program, which included three interactive sessions using different teaching methodologies. While the control group received Information Education and Communication (IEC) material on SRH. A knowledge questionnaire about SRH and a Coping Checklist were used to gather data. SPSS version 22 for Windows was used to analyze the data.

Results The study demonstrated the effectiveness of the SRH training program, as evidenced by differences in knowledge and coping strategy scores between experimental and control groups following the post-test (p<0.05). In the experimental group, a substantial positive correlation was found at the p<0.05 level between knowledge and problem-solving, distraction-negative, acceptance/redefinition, religion/faith, and denial/blame coping strategies.

Conclusion The present study findings concluded that WMI benefit from the SRH training program in terms of improving their knowledge and coping mechanisms regarding the appropriate use of contraception, prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections, sufficient information on sexual health, and appropriate referral services for sexual violence.