Factor analysis of the modified Sexual Adjustment Questionnaire-Male

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Urology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• The Sexual Adjustment Questionnaire (SAQ) is a key outcome measure for sexual functioning in National Cancer Institute trials.
• A revised version, the modified Sexual Adjustment Questionnaire-Male (mSAQ-Male), was developed for enhanced clinical utility and theoretical grounding.
• This study details the modifications and validity testing of the mSAQ-Male.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the modifications made to the Sexual Adjustment Questionnaire-Male (SAQ-Male).
• To present the validity testing results for the modified Sexual Adjustment Questionnaire-Male (mSAQ-Male).
• To establish the mSAQ-Male as a clinically useful and theory-based outcome measure for male sexual functioning in research and clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of data from a large Radiation Therapy Oncology Group trial.
• Principal axis factor analytic techniques were used to estimate the validity of the revised tool.
• The study sample comprised 686 participants, predominantly White males over 60 with a high school education and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores above 90.

Main Results:

• Factor analysis yielded a 16-item, 3-factor solution for the mSAQ-Male.
• The mSAQ-Male demonstrated sensitivity to changes in physical sexual functioning.
• Correlation with the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) indicated the tool's responsiveness to physical health changes impacting sexual function.

Conclusions:

• The mSAQ-Male is confirmed as a valid self-report measure for assessing male sexuality.
• The mSAQ-Male can be effectively utilized in clinical practice.
• The measure is capable of detecting clinically significant changes in male sexual functioning.