Distant group counseling on sexual mhyts
Description
This study investigates the impact of distant group counseling through an online platform on sexual myths and sexual attitudes among young adults. The hypotheses formulated for this randomized controlled trial are as follows: 1.There is a significant difference in the Sexual Myths Scale (SMS) pretest-posttest-follow-up scores in the intervention group. 2.There is a significant difference in the Hendrick Sexual Attitudes Scale (HSAS) pretest-posttest-follow-up scores in the intervention group. 3.There is a significant difference in the SMS pretest-posttest-follow-up scores, favoring the intervention group. 4.There is a significant difference in the HSAS pretest-posttest-follow-up scores, favoring the intervention group. The data was collected using a combination of online surveys and scales, including the SMS and the HSAS. Pretest, posttest, and follow-up data were gathered, and statistical analyses (e.g., paired t-tests, independent sample t-tests, Chi-square tests) were conducted to assess significant differences between the intervention and control groups in line with the normality of distributions. The data indicated significant differences in the intervention group's scores across both scales, supporting the hypothesis that the online sexual health intervention had a positive effect. The intervention group demonstrated a positive shift in sexual attitudes and a reduction in the endorsement of sexual myths. The significant changes in both the SMS and the HSAS scores suggest that the online group counseling program effectively addressed sexual myths and improved sexual attitudes among young adults. In contrast, the control group showed minimal changes in both sexual myths and sexual attitudes, highlighting the effect of the intervention compared to the natural progression without such an educational program. The results underscore the potential of online group counseling in sexual health education, particularly for addressing misconceptions and promoting healthier sexual attitudes.
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The research design and methodology were carefully planned following the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES) online research guide, ensuring that the study adhered to robust research protocols. The CONSORT model was applied, including its flowchart, to enhance the transparency of the study and ensure the reproducibility of the research. The study followed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, and participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The randomization process was conducted using an online randomization tool to eliminate selection bias. Participants were randomized into the control and intervention groups based on balanced distributions of gender, pretest scores from the Sexual Myths Scale (SMS), and the Hendrick Sexual Attitudes Scale (HSAS). This simple single-blind randomization process was conducted using an online randomization tool to ensure unbiased group allocation. Data were gathered through pretest, posttest, and follow-up assessments using established scales, including the Sexual Myths Scale (SMS) and the Hendrick Sexual Attitudes Scale (HSAS). These tools were selected for their relevance to the study's objectives and were adapted for use in an online survey format. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the data collection process, and participants provided informed consent before participating in the study. To ensure clarity and usability of the surveys, a pilot test was conducted with 10 students to gather feedback on question comprehension and the overall usability of the online platform. The intervention consisted of a six-week online group sexual counseling program. Each week, participants in the intervention group attended one 20-minute cognitive-behavioral-based tele-group session through Microsoft Teams, which was supplemented with educational content shared via Instagram. The sessions focused on various topics, such as sexuality, sexual health, gender roles, and sexual violence. Participants were encouraged to engage in group discussions and complete weekly tasks, which allowed them to interact and reflect on the material presented. The intervention aimed to address and challenge prevalent sexual myths, encourage open discussions about sexuality, and foster healthier sexual attitudes through evidence-based counseling.