Measuring sexual function in community surveys: development of a conceptual framework

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Existing psychometric measures for sexual function are not ideal for large community surveys.
• There is a need for a brief, non-intrusive sexual function assessment tool suitable for general populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present findings from qualitative research informing the development of a new sexual function measure.
• To establish a conceptual framework for a concise and acceptable sexual function assessment.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 32 semi-structured interviews with diverse community members.
• Identified 31 potential criteria for a functional sex life from qualitative data.
• Reduced criteria using decision rules and literature review, adding self-rating components.

Main Results:

• Developed a conceptual framework with 13 core criteria (8 for those not in a relationship).
• Added 8 criteria for self-assessment of function level and distress severity.
• The framework is grounded in participant perceptions and inclusive of various sexual experiences and orientations.

Conclusions:

• The developed conceptual framework provides a basis for a concise and acceptable measure of sexual function.
• The framework integrates relational, psychological, and physiological aspects of sexual health.
• This measure is suitable for use in general population surveys, addressing limitations of existing tools.