Internet- and mobile-based psychological interventions for sexual dysfunctions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Zarski AC, Velten J, Knauer J, Berking M, Ebert DD (2022)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2022

Journal

npj Digital Medicine Nature Research

Book Volume: 5

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1038/s41746-022-00670-1

Abstract

Sexual dysfunctions are highly prevalent and undertreated. Internet- and mobile-based psychological interventions (IMIs) could be a promising addition to close this treatment gap, given their accessibility, anonymity, and scalability. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the efficacy of IMIs for sexual dysfunctions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in August 2021 on randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of IMIs on sexual functioning and satisfaction compared to a control condition. Twelve RCTs with 14 comparisons were reviewed with six IMIs targeting female and six IMIs targeting male sexual dysfunctions and n = 952 participants were evaluated in the meta-analysis. IMIs were significantly more effective than control conditions (k = 11 waitlist control group, k = 3 online discussion board) at post-treatment for female sexual functioning (g = 0.59, CI: 0.28-0.90, I-2 = 0%) and satisfaction (g = 0.90, CI: 0.02-1.79, I-2 = 82%), and male sexual functioning (g = 0.18, CI: 0.02-0.34, I-2 = 0%). No significant effect was found for male sexual satisfaction (g = 0.69, CI: -0.13-1.51, I-2 = 88%) with substantial heterogeneity in studies. Most studies showed high dropout, with ten studies indicating some concern of risk of bias, and two studies showing high risk of bias. The results suggest that IMIs can be an effective treatment for sexual dysfunctions, although additional high-quality research is needed. Given the limited availability of specialized treatment for sexual dysfunctions and individual preferences for discrete treatment options, IMIs seem to be a valuable addition to routine care, empowering individuals to promote their sexual health on a guided self-help basis.

Authors with CRIS profile

Anna-Carlotta Zarski Lehrstuhl für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie Matthias Berking Lehrstuhl für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie

Additional Organisation(s)

Lehrstuhl für Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie

Involved external institutions

Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) DE Germany (DE) Universität Ulm DE Germany (DE) Technische Universität München (TUM) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Zarski, A.-C., Velten, J., Knauer, J., Berking, M., & Ebert, D.D. (2022). Internet- and mobile-based psychological interventions for sexual dysfunctions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. npj Digital Medicine, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-022-00670-1

MLA:

Zarski, Anna-Carlotta, et al. "Internet- and mobile-based psychological interventions for sexual dysfunctions: a systematic review and meta-analysis." npj Digital Medicine 5.1 (2022).

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