Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42477807›Full record

ArticlePilot and feasibility studies2026

Supporting couples' perinatal sexual well-being: a feasibility study of the introductory modules of a novel prevention program (STORK).

Inês M Tavares, Samantha J Dawson, Erin T Fitzpatrick, Greta E Jang, Kyle R Stephenson, Natalie O Rosen

Registry-linked trialAbstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Pilot and feasibility studies, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to trial NCT07036484 (Supporting Couples' Perinatal Sexual Well-being), which is not on this map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

NCT07036484 completednot on this map

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

TypeobservationalSponsorDalhousie UniversityRan2023 to 2023Enrolled22ConditionsPregnancyArmsOnline program
3 · Its place in the literature

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0 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Inês M TavaresFaculty of Psychology and Education, Hei-Lab-Digital Human-environment Interaction Lab, Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal. ines.tavares@ulusofona.pt.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2614-4243
Samantha J DawsonDepartment of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Erin T FitzpatrickDepartment of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Greta E JangDepartment of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
Kyle R StephensonSchool of Psychology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Natalie O RosenDepartment of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.

Funding

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia UIDB/05380/2020
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMost 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. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of the introductory modules of an online couple-based program (STORK) designed to promote perinatal sexual well-being. The program is grounded in empirically established risk and protective factors associated with couples' perinatal sexual well-being.

methodsWe conducted a single-group feasibility study with eleven couples (22 individuals) expecting their first child (mean gestation 20 weeks). Couples completed the orientation and first STORK modules during a 2-h online session with a researcher. Participants then completed an online survey evaluating the program's feasibility and content. Qualitative semi-structured interviews and online questionnaires assessed participants' experiences with the platform, focusing on usability, acceptability, clarity, relevance, and overall satisfaction.

resultsParticipants reported high acceptability, rating both modules as clear and logical (mean = 5.6-5.9/7), enjoyable (mean = 4.7-6.1/7), helpful (mean = 5.0-5.7/7), and relevant (mean = 6.1/7). The platform was rated as easy to navigate (mean = 5.6/7) and highly inclusive (mean = 6.0-6.1/7). Most participants found the time commitment reasonable (95.5%), and 91% considered weekly completion with their partner feasible. Qualitative feedback highlighted usability, well-structured content, inclusivity, and support for personal and relationship reflection.

conclusionsThe findings suggest that the STORK program is a feasible and acceptable resource to support couples' perinatal sexual well-being, warranting further evaluation of its effectiveness. A pilot randomized controlled trial is warranted and may facilitate a shift toward couple-focused perinatal prevention programs. The STORK program has the potential to fill a critical gap in perinatal healthcare by providing an accessible, evidence-based prevention program to support couples navigating sexual changes during pregnancy and postpartum.

trial registrationThis feasibility study was prospectively registered on June 17, 2025 (reg #2023-6719), and the registration can be found here: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07036484.

Indexed as

CoupleInternet interventionPerinatalPostpartumPregnancyPsychoeducationTransition to parenthood

Identifiers

PMID42477807
PMCPMC13670602

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