Sexual Dysfunction and Distress—Development of a Polish Version of the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised

Abstract

Introduction The concept of sexually related personal distress, central to the diagnosis of all female sexual dysfunction (FSD), is currently a subject of scientific debate. Several psychometric instruments have been used to measure sexually related personal distress in women, including the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and its revised version (FSDS-R). Aim To develop a Polish version of the FSDS-R (PL-FSDS-R). Methods In total, 210 women aged 18–55 years were included in the study. Seventy-five were diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), 31 were diagnosed with another FSD, and 104 were control. All subjects completed the PL-FSDS-R at baseline (day 0), day 7, and day 28. Internal consistencies were evaluated by Cronbach's α. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess test–retest reliability. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing mean scores of the FSD and control groups in a between-groups analysis of variance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine optimal cutoff values of the PL-FSDS-R. Main Outcome Measures To measure the validity and reliability of the PL-FSDS-R and to determine optimal cutoff values. Results Mean total PL-FSDS-R score was statistically higher in women with HSDD and other FSD compared to healthy individuals, showing the test had discriminant validity. The frequency of sexual intercourse and quality of relationship with sexual partner but not other sexual behaviors were statistically correlated with the PL-FSDS-R score. ROC analysis confirmed these findings. All domains of the PL-FSDS-R demonstrated satisfactory internal consistencies, with a Cronbach's α-value of >0.70 for the entire sample. Test–retest coefficients were between 0.86–0.92, with the best reliability for a 7-day recall period. Conclusions The PL-FSDS-R is a reliable questionnaire with good psychometric and discriminative validity, and can be used to measure sexually related personal distress in Polish women with FSD with a cutoff score of ≥13.

Psychometric Properties of the Iranian Version of the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised in Women

“…Overall, our study found the Persian version of the FSDS-R to be a reliable, valid, and easily understandable tool for the assessment of sexual distress in Iranian women. In line with findings from previous validation studies, the Iranian FSDS-R showed excellent internal consistencies across all three assessment points [22][23][24]. The tool was also highly reproducible across a week and even a 4-week interval, with the highest ICCs being found between day 7 to day 28.…”

“…The tool was also highly reproducible across a week and even a 4-week interval, with the highest ICCs being found between day 7 to day 28. Overall, the reliability findings are comparable with estimates obtained from other validation studies [18,[21][22][23][24]. The ICCs usually depend on the time interval between the two administrations of measurements.…”

Assessment of sexually related personal distress accompanying premenopausal sexual dysfunction with an Arabic version of the Female Sexual Distress Scale

“…13,14 The Arabic version of the FSDS showed good internal consistency and a high degree of test-retest reliability, indicating that it can produce consistent results over time. The high acceptability of the material included in the Arabic FSDS, as well as in other translations, 13,14,18,19 shows that translated questionnaires can have the same utility as the original version despite cultural differences. 32 The present study has a few limitations.…”

“…17 The scales have been translated and validated in several languages, including Turkish, Dutch, Farsi, and Korean. 13,18,19 Possibly owing to the sensitivity of the topic and the lack of a properly translated version of the FSDS, however, female sexual distress has not yet been addressed in Arabic-speaking communities.…”

“…The scale has been applied in several clinical trials, including a large study evaluating personal distress and FSD in American women, and a study evaluating the associations among sexual dysfunction, distress, and partner compatibility in Finland . The scales have been translated and validated in several languages, including Turkish, Dutch, Farsi, and Korean . Possibly owing to the sensitivity of the topic and the lack of a properly translated version of the FSDS, however, female sexual distress has not yet been addressed in Arabic‐speaking communities.…”