Evaluation of a Swedish Version of the Watts Sexual Function Questionnaire (WSFQ) in Persons with Heart Disease: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: As part of preparation for a Swedish multicentre study, exploring sexual and married life in patients with myocardial infarction and their partners, a Swedish validated instrument was required. Aims: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a Swedish version of the Watts Sexual Function Questionnaire (WSFQ) among persons with a heart disease. Methods: A convenience sample of 79 persons (47 men and 32 women) living with a heart disease was recruited from the members of the National Association of Heart and Lung Patients. They completed a Swedish version of the WSFQ on two occasions. Results: Two separate factor analyses each revealed a two-factor structure on both occasions: "Sexual appetite" and "Sexual expectations" with gender-neutral questions and "Sexual sensitiveness" and "Sexual ability" with gender-specific questions. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.48 to 0.86 and test-retest values for all but one question exceeded 0.70. Conclusions: The Swedish version of the WSFQ showed good validity and stability and acceptable internal homogeneity. Extended evaluations of the questionnaire are recommended.

Intimate relationships and sexual function in partnered patients in the year before and one year after a myocardial infarction: A longitudinal study

“…The Swedish version of the WSFQ has good validity and stability and acceptable internal homogeneity with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from 0.48 to 0.86 and test–retest values for all but one question exceeding 0.70. 26 In the present study, the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the total WSFQ, including responses from all patients at T1, was 0.82 for women and 0.64 for men. At T2, the corresponding coefficients were 0.85 and 0.69 for women and men, respectively.…”

“…1,14 General suggestions to the patient may include being well rested at the time of sexual activity, avoiding unfamiliar surroundings and partners in order to minimize stress during sexual activity, avoiding heavy meals or alcohol before sexual activity, and using a position that does not restrict respiration. [39][40][41] Hartmann and Burkart 42 maintained that a short patient questionnaire is an excellent aid for patients and healthcare professionals for initiating discussions about sexuality, and it has been suggested 26 that the WSFQ used in our study can form the basis for such a communication between patients with heart diseases and healthcare professionals. A great advantage of this questionnaire is that it has both gender and non-gender-specific questions.…”

“…The instrument is divided into ‘sexual appetite’ and ‘sexual expectations’ with gender-neutral questions, and ‘sexual sensitiveness’ and ‘sexual ability’ with gender-specific questions. 26 The male questionnaire contains items that focus on male sexual problems related to erectile and orgasmic capability (premature ejaculation and ejaculatory incompetence); whereas the female form addresses the common sexual problems of women with specific emphasis on vaginal lubrication and orgasmic capability. 26 The original WSFQ contains 17 questions in which the respondents rate their answers on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1=never to 5=always.…”

“…26 The male questionnaire contains items that focus on male sexual problems related to erectile and orgasmic capability (premature ejaculation and ejaculatory incompetence); whereas the female form addresses the common sexual problems of women with specific emphasis on vaginal lubrication and orgasmic capability. 26 The original WSFQ contains 17 questions in which the respondents rate their answers on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1=never to 5=always. Items 10, 13 and 17 are reverse scored for men and items 10 and 17 for women, that is, 5=never and 1=always.…”