Assessing female sexual dysfunction by a 5-item inventory: For application in healthcare setting

Abstract

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a serious health problem because of its high prevalence and deleterious effects on women’s quality of life. It is essential that practitioners of family medicine and community health are able to detect FSD in its early stage so that timely treatment could be offered. This study examined the applicability of a 5-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-5) in the assessment of female sexual dysfunction and in the identification of risk factors of FSD. Data were collected from Hong Kong Chinese women (N = 1011) by questionnaire survey via convenience sampling. The data confirmed that FSFI-5 was a global measure of sexual dysfunction with satisfactory reliability (Cronbach a = .90). Validity of the FSFI-5 was demonstrated by its ability to differentiate sexual function of women with and without oophorectomy and of women in menopause vs. in menstruation. The scores on FSFI-5 showed that the sexual function of Hong Kong Chinese women was generally satisfactory, except for a slightly lower level of sexual desire. Compared with a sample of normal American women, Hong Kong Chinese women had significantly poorer overall sexual function. However, they exhibited better sexual functioning than that of an American sample with female sexual arousal dysfunction. The cross-national difference provides additional evidence for the contrasted-group validity of the FSFI-5. Women who were divorced, aged 41 or older, of lower education (primary or below), and with relatively high income were at higher risk of FSD as assessed by FSFI-5. Lower scores on FSFI-5 were also associated with lower sexual frequency. With its demonstrated reliability and validity, practitioners of family medicine and community health can use the FSFI-5 as a quick screening tool of FSD to facilitate early treatment for women who are distressed by the problem.