Related Experiment Videos
Reliable and valid self-report outcome measures in sexual (dys)function: a systematic review
1Faculty of Health and Social Care, Centre for Research in Applied Social Care and Health, University of the West of England, Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1DD, United Kingdom. Gavin.Daker-White@uwe.ac.uk
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|April 27, 2002
Summary
Many self-report sexual function measures lack adequate reliability and validity. Only a small percentage meet superior psychometric standards, limiting their generalizability in research and clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Psychometrics
- Sexual Health
- Health Measurement
Background:
- Self-report measures of sexual function are widely used.
- Assessing the psychometric properties of these instruments is crucial for accurate data collection.
- Previous reviews have not systematically evaluated the reliability and validity of non-disease specific measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the published reliability and validity of non-disease specific, self-report measures of sexual function.
- To identify instruments meeting minimum psychometric standards for research and clinical use.
- To evaluate the quality of psychometric testing in existing sexual function questionnaires.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Embase database (1980-1999) for psychometric testing of sexual function questionnaires.
- Inclusion of measures from existing reviews and back-searching reference lists.
- Evaluation of 25 identified measures against published standards for validity, internal consistency, and reproducibility.
Main Results:
- Twenty-four self-report measures were included in the review.
- Eleven measures (46%) failed to meet minimum psychometric standards.
- Fourteen measures (58%) were deemed reliable and valid, with only 2 (8%) meeting superior standards.
- Many instruments are suitable primarily for individuals with long-term partners.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of available self-report sexual function measures exhibit inadequate psychometric properties.
- Researchers and clinicians should exercise caution when selecting and interpreting data from these instruments.
- Further development and rigorous validation of sexual function measures are needed, considering diverse populations.