Understanding Sexual Experiences through the EX-PLISSIT Model: A Qualitative Study of Young and Middle-Aged Chinese Women on Peritoneal Dialysis

This study aims to explore the real-life sexual experiences of young and middle-aged Chinese women undergoing peritoneal dialysis within the socio-cultural context of Confucianism, providing a basis for developing targeted interventions. A phenomenological design was employed, with semi-structured interviews conducted among 15 female peritoneal dialysis patients using an interview guide based on the EX-PLISSIT model; data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method with MAXQDA software, yielding four main themes and eleven sub-themes: Multidimensional Sexual Health Impairment (Reduced Sexual Function, Lower Sexual Self-esteem, and Weakening of the Wife’s Role), Lack of Sexual Awareness (Sexual Knowledge Deviation and Insufficient Information Support), Intimacy Dual-path Differentiation (Negative Coping and Relational Alienation, Positive Coping and Relational Bonding), and Diverse Sexual Health Support Needs (Privacy Protection, Service Accessibility, Professional Integration, and Long-term Support). This study elucidates the multidimensional sexual distress experienced by these women and validates the EX-PLISSIT model’s utility in transforming subjective sexual experiences into actionable intervention targets. Consequently, nurses should incorporate sexual health assessments into routine peritoneal dialysis care. Guided by the EX-PLISSIT framework, they can employ “permission-giving” to navigate cultural taboos, explore contributing factors, and deliver structured, needs-based interventions that enhance intimacy and sexual quality of life.