Attrition from an Internet-based treatment program for female sexual dysfunction: Who is best treated with this approach?

Abstract

The current study evaluated the attrition from an Internet-based treatment program for female sexual dysfunction (FSD), and determined factors that contribute to this attrition. Of the original, 26 women who were allocated to the treatment group, 12 provided post-intervention data, and of the 27 women who entered the wait list control group, 22 provided post-intervention data. Of 14 control participants who then elected to enter treatment, five provided post-intervention data. Therefore, a total of 40 women entered the FSD program and 23 dropped out. Reasons for attrition included: relationship factors, lack of motivation, and time commitment perceived to be excessive. Significant differences were found in levels of relationship satisfaction and intimacy for those who dropped out and those who completed treatment. These findings suggest that participants with high relationship satisfaction and emotional intimacy with their partner are suitable for treatments of this type.

Keywords:

• female sexual dysfunction
• attrition
• Internet-based treatment
• relationship satisfaction
• intimacy