The effect of BASNEF model-based education on sexual satisfaction of primipara women in the postpartum period: a randomized clinical trial

Postpartum sexual satisfaction is influenced by a variety of factors, including physiological changes, hormonal fluctuations, and psychological adaptation. The BASNEF model is widely recognized as a practical framework for promoting behavioral change globally. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of BASNEF model–based education on sexual satisfaction among primiparous women in the postpartum period. In this randomized controlled trial, 60 eligible postpartum women, between 40 days and 6 months after delivery, attending health centers in Darreh Shahr (western Iran), and scoring between 17 and 67 on the Lindaberg sexual satisfaction questionnaire, were randomly selected. Participants were then assigned to either the experimental group (n = 30) or the control group (n = 30). The experimental group received three 90-minute weekly group training sessions based on the BASNEF model, in addition to routine care, while the control group received routine care only. Data were collected at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months post-intervention using a demographic questionnaire, Lindaberg’s sexual satisfaction scale, and a validated researcher-developed BASNEF sexual satisfaction questionnaire. Data collection took place from January to June 2019. Participants, investigators, and analysts were not blinded. All analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25, with significance set at p < 0.05. At baseline, there were no significant differences in sexual satisfaction scores between the groups. Following the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in sexual satisfaction compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.001), and this improvement persisted at the 2-month follow-up (p ≤ 0.001). BASNEF model–based educational intervention effectively enhanced postpartum sexual satisfaction among primiparous women. These findings support the use of structured, theory-based education to improve sexual health outcomes during the postpartum period. Iranian Registry of clinical trials, https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/35732 (IRCT20130812014333N110), registered (2019-01-03).