The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): Development of a Japanese Version

Abstract

Introduction A valid and reliable self-administered scale to measure multidimensional aspects of female sexual function is needed in Japan, as sexual dysfunction is quite common in Japanese women. Aim The aim of this paper is to develop a Japanese translation of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-J), 3-month version, and to measure its psychometric reliability and validity. Methods Following a language validation process and pilot tests, we modified the scale by adding some instructions and answer options. A cross-sectional survey to examine psychometric reliability and validity of FSFI-J was conducted with 126 healthy Japanese women in partnered relationships. Reliability studies on test–retest and on internal consistency were conducted using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's α coefficient, respectively. A validity study was conducted on aspects of face, construct, concurrent, and discriminant validity. Main Outcome Measures The main outcome is the psychometric reliability and validity of FSFI-J. Results FSFI-J showed high test–retest reliability (ICC > 0.78) and high internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.84). In terms of face validity, FSFI-J was found to be understandable and can adequately measure various aspects of female sexual function. Regarding construct validity, exploratory factor analysis of FSFI-J supported a five-factor solution, consisting of desire/arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. This domain structure was identical to that of the original FSFI. Regarding concurrent validity, FSFI-J total score and domain scores showed significant correlations (Pearson's r = −0.613 for total score) with the sexual function domain of the perimenopausal subjective symptom inventory and overall sexual satisfaction as measured by a visual analog scale (Pearson's r = 0.387). For discriminant validity, the regular menstruation group showed significantly higher FSFI-J scores than the menopause group in the total score and all subdomain scores except sexual satisfaction. Conclusions The FSFI-J is a valid and reliable instrument to measure multidimensional aspects of sexual function in healthy Japanese women who are in partnered relationships.

The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): Translation, Validation, and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of an Urdu Version “FSFI–U”

“…Another challenge is to scientifically establish that the adapted version is comparable with the original version, so that data from different cultural units can be compared at a global level. Most studies [18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23], conducted for cross‐cultural adaptation of the original FSFI [9], have not addressed this part of the challenge. The present study has been undertaken in a systematic way to develop a cross‐culturally adopted translation of the original English version of FSFI [9], and to validate its responses for comprehensiveness and psychometric acceptability.…”

“…In order to avoid this confusion we have enrolled subjects without any sexual complaints, and evaluated them for presence or absence of FSD. This method has been adopted in other cross‐cultural validation studies for questionnaires [22, 23]. Current literature reveals inconsistent findings regarding factor solution for FSFI.…”

“…This questionnaire has been successfully translated and psychometrically validated in other languages, including Chinese, Arabic, Persian, Malay, Turkish, Korean, and Japanese [18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23]. It has also been used to evaluate sexual problems in adolescence, pregnancy, middle and menopausal ages [5, 6, 24, 25].…”

Relationship between General Health Indices and Sexual Dysfunction in Women Experiencing Spousal Abuse

“…Therefore, these symptoms are not treated, eventually leading to chronic symptoms, mental disorders, and disappearance of tranquility from the couples' lives. Moreover, women suffering from sexual dysfunction have mood disorders, low self-confidence, introversion, feeling guilty, and depression, which might result in divorce (Takahashi, Inokuchi, Watanabe, Saito, & Kai, 2011). Sexual satisfaction is defined as the judgment and analysis of every person about her/his own sexual relation which is considered enjoyable.…”

“…Considering the negative effects of sexual dysfunction and its resulting complications on the family and society and due to the fact that expression of sexual problems is not easy because of cultural issues, prevention and treatment of these disorders is the main responsibilities of the health team. Of course, this issue requires awareness about the prevalence of these disorders in the society so that the necessary measures can be taken to eliminate these problems (Takahashi, Inokuchi, Watanabe, Saito, & Kai, 2011).…”