Supporting Couples' Perinatal Sexual Well-being: Testing the Introductory Modules of a Novel Prevention Program (STORK)

NCT07036484 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: 2023-6719435-2023-0235
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 22
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Most new parents will experience changes to their sexual relationship during the perinatal period, yet no accessible prevention programs exist to support couples in navigating these changes. The goal of this observational study is to test the feasibility of the introductory modules of an online program (STORK) designed to promote perinatal sexual well-being in a sample of expectant couples. The main question it aims to answer is: Is STORK a feasible and acceptable resource to support couples' perinatal sexual well-being? Couple participants who complete the first two modules of the STORK program will answer online survey questions and an interview about their experience with the program.

Conditions

Pregnancy

Keywords

pregnancy; postpartum; perinatal; transition to parenthood; psychoeducation; internet intervention; prevention; sexual wellbeing; sexual health; couple

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (6)

• Acceptability

  After completing the initial STORK program's modules, couples self-reported on acceptability of the platform using 11 researcher-derived items modeled after prior similar work. Items assessed aspects such as enjoyment, overall organization, and amount of information for Module 0 and Module 1 using 7-point Likert-type response scales. Participants also provided open-ended suggestions for improvement.

  At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)

• Content and layout

  Participants self-reported on 9 researcher-derived items assessing the content and layout of information presented in the STORK program such as platform layout, clarity and appropriateness of content using 7-point Likert-type response scales. Three open-ended questions asked about areas that were covered well, areas of improvement, and confusing terms/ideas.

  At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)

• Functionality

  Two researcher-derived items assessed ease of navigation and the relevance of graphics (i.e., images/videos) using 7-point Likert-type response scales; an open-ended question asked about specific suggestions to functionality of the platform.

  At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)

• Inclusivity

  Participants self-reported on their perceptions regarding inclusivity of the platform using 4 researcher-derived items completed on a 7-point Likert-type response scales. One open-ended question asked about specific suggestions to improve inclusivity of the program.

  At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)

• Time commitment

  Participants self-reported how long it took them to complete the modules, and whether they considered this amount of time reasonable using a dichotomic (yes/no) item; if they responded negatively, then they were invited to provide reasons using an open-ended question.

  At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)

• Feasibility of the program's introductory modules - semi structured interview

  After completing the module, a semi-structured interview was conducted. The interview included open-ended questions about the web platform, as well as specific questions regarding its content, relevancy, clarity, organization, aesthetics, navigation, and functionality.

  At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)

Interventions

Online program BEHAVIORAL

We tested the feasibility of the introductory modules of an online couple-based program (STORK), designed to be grounded in empirically established risk and protective factors associated with couples' perinatal sexual well-being. STORK is a web-based program including psychoeducation and behavioral tasks to be completed by couples

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adult couples who are in a cohabiting committed relationship with each other and are expecting their first baby (between 12-25 weeks gestation).

You may qualify if:

• both partners are at least 18 years of age
• both partners speak and read English fluently
• both partners live together and are in a relationship with each other for at least 1 year
• one partner is 12-25 weeks pregnant with both partner's first child

You may not qualify if:

• \- couples were instructed by a healthcare professional to avoid sexual activity during pregnancy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Dalhousie University: lead
• University of British Columbia: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Dalhousie University

Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 42R, Canada

Location

Study Officials

• Natalie O Rosen, Ph.D.

  Dalhousie University, Canada

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Samantha J Dawson, Ph.D.

  University of British Columbia, Canada

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Inês M Tavares, Ph.D.

  Lusófona University, Portugal

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 17, 2025
• First Posted: June 25, 2025
• Study Start: August 11, 2023
• Primary Completion: December 8, 2023
• Study Completion: December 8, 2023
• Last Updated: July 2, 2025

Record last verified: 2024-10

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CA (1)