Psychometric Properties of a Computer-Administered Self-Report Version of the Diagnostic Interview for Sexual Dysfunctions in Women (DISEX-F-SR)

Abstract

The Diagnostic Interview for Sexual Dysfunctions in Women (DISEX-F) is a clinician-administered instrument allowing for an ICD-11 and DSM-5-compliant assessment of female sexual dysfunctions. Due to limited time and resources in practice and research, as well as patients’ reticence in discussing sexual issues, a computer-administered self-report version was developed (DISEX-F-SR). This study aimed to collect initial data on its psychometric properties. N = 1,108 participants (identifying as women or non-binary; Mage = 33.40; SDage = 10.21; rangeage: 18 - 82) completed the DISEX-F-SR and several other measures of sexual functioning and distress online. Of these, 160 symptom-reporting individuals participated in an online-administered face-to-face DISEX-F interview. A subset of 801 participants also completed the re-test of the DISEX-F-SR. Excellent evidence of convergent and discriminant validity was demonstrated through high associations with existing measures of sexual functioning and distress. Test-retest reliability was acceptable. When using the DISEX-F results as a criterion, the DISEX-F-SR reached low sensitivity but high specificity indices. Results indicate that the DISEX-F-SR is a useful supplemental tool (although not suitable as a stand-alone measure) enabling cost-efficient, criteria-compliant diagnostics as a basis for further investigation and informed diagnosis by a clinician. Directions for further improvement of the DISEX-F-SR are discussed.