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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07036484

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

Most 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. The goal of this observational study is to test the feasibility of the introductory modules of an online program (STORK) designed to promote perinatal sexual well-being in a sample of expectant couples. The main question it aims to answer is:

Is STORK a feasible and acceptable resource to support couples' perinatal sexual well-being? Couple participants who complete the first two modules of the STORK program will answer online survey questions and an interview about their experience with the program.

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Key information

Conditions

Pregnancy

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Dalhousie University

Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 42R, Canada

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • both partners are at least 18 years of age
  • both partners speak and read English fluently
  • both partners live together and are in a relationship with each other for at least 1 year
  • one partner is 12-25 weeks pregnant with both partner's first child

Exclusion criteria

  • couples were instructed by a healthcare professional to avoid sexual activity during pregnancy

Treatment and study plan

Online program

Behavioral

We tested the feasibility of the introductory modules of an online couple-based program (STORK), designed to be grounded in empirically established risk and protective factors associated with couples' perinatal sexual well-being. STORK is a web-based program including psychoeducation and behavioral tasks to be completed by couples

Primary outcomes

  1. Acceptability

    Time frame: At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)

    After completing the initial STORK program's modules, couples self-reported on acceptability of the platform using 11 researcher-derived items modeled after prior similar work. Items assessed aspects such as enjoyment, overall organization, and amount of information for Module 0 and Module 1 using 7-point Likert-type response scales. Participants also provided open-ended suggestions for improvement.

  2. Content and layout

    Time frame: At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)

    Participants self-reported on 9 researcher-derived items assessing the content and layout of information presented in the STORK program such as platform layout, clarity and appropriateness of content using 7-point Likert-type response scales. Three open-ended questions asked about areas that were covered well, areas of improvement, and confusing terms/ideas.

  3. Functionality

    Time frame: At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)

    Two researcher-derived items assessed ease of navigation and the relevance of graphics (i.e., images/videos) using 7-point Likert-type response scales; an open-ended question asked about specific suggestions to functionality of the platform.

  4. Inclusivity

    Time frame: At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)

    Participants self-reported on their perceptions regarding inclusivity of the platform using 4 researcher-derived items completed on a 7-point Likert-type response scales. One open-ended question asked about specific suggestions to improve inclusivity of the program.

  5. Time commitment

    Time frame: At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)

    Participants self-reported how long it took them to complete the modules, and whether they considered this amount of time reasonable using a dichotomic (yes/no) item; if they responded negatively, then they were invited to provide reasons using an open-ended question.

  6. Feasibility of the program's introductory modules - semi structured interview

    Time frame: At entry (around 20 weeks gestation)

    After completing the module, a semi-structured interview was conducted. The interview included open-ended questions about the web platform, as well as specific questions regarding its content, relevancy, clarity, organization, aesthetics, navigation, and functionality.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Dalhousie University

Other

Collaborators

  • University of British Columbia

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Jun 25, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 2, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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