The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): Linguistic Validation of the Italian Version

Abstract

Introduction Although several new measurements for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) have recently been developed, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) remains the gold standard for screening and one of the most widely used questionnaires. The Italian translation of the FSFI has been used in several studies conducted in Italy, but a linguistic validation of the Italian version does not exist. Aim The aim of this study was to perform a linguistic validation of the Italian version of the FSFI. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 14 urological and gynecological clinics, uniformly distributed over Italian territory. We performed all steps necessary to determine the reliability and the test–retest reliability of the Italian version of the FSFI. The study population was a convenience sample of 409 Italian women. Main Outcome Measures The reliability of the questionnaire was calculated using Cronbach's alpha, which was considered weak, moderate, or high if its value was found less than 0.6, between 0.6 and 0.8, or equal to or greater than 0.8, respectively. The test–retest reliability was assessed for all women in the sample by calculating Pearson's concordance correlation coefficient for each domain and for the total score, both at baseline and after 15 days (r range between −1.00 to +1.00, where +1.00 indicates the strongest positive association). Results Cronbach's alpha coefficents for total and domain score were sufficiently high, ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 for the total sample. The test–retest procedure revealed that the concordance correlation coefficient was very high both for FSFI-I total score (Pearson's P = 0.93) and for each domain (Pearson's P always >0.92). Conclusion For the first time in the literature, our study has produced a validated and reliable Italian version of the FSFI questionnaire. Consequently, the Italian FSFI can be used as a reliable tool for preliminary screening for female sexual dysfunction for Italian women.

Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence with Sexual Dysfunction in King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Saudi Arabia.

“…An impaired sexual function among women has adverse effects on self-esteem, interpersonal relationships and a sense of wholeness as shown by the research results (21). Inconsistencies in normal sexual function levels, cultural factors and individual sexual function relevance complicate the determination and classifying of FSD; FSFI is presently considered the global gold standard, and has been validated in several studies involving women around the world (12). This is confirmed in several studies, such as by Filocamo (12), Stephenson et al (25), Rosen and Heiman (20) and Bartula (8), and has been demonstrated to be effective with excellent psychometric qualities.…”

A comparison between vaginal estrogen and vaginal hyaluronic for the treatment of dyspareunia in women using hormonal contraceptive

“…To measure dyspareunia, we used a Visual Analogic Scale (VAS); to investigate sexual function of these women, we used Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a 6 domains questionnaire translated and validated into several languages, Italian included [9]. To assess in the vaginal epithelium the changes related to the level of estrogens, we used the vaginal maturation index (VM).…”

Uterus Preserving Prolapse Repair: How Long does it Last?

“…Urinary symptoms were quantified using the short forms of Urinary Distress Inventory 6 and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire 7 [10,11]. From 2000 onwards sexual symptoms were evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index Questionnaire [12]. All surgical procedures were performed by 2 senior surgeons and the technique used has been previously described [13,14].…”