A new measure of sexual function in women with pelvic floor disorders (PFD): The Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, IUGA-Revised (PISQ-IR)

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis The objective of this study was to create a valid, reliable, and responsive sexual function measure in women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) for both sexually active (SA) and inactive (NSA) women. Methods Expert review identified concept gaps and generated items evaluated with cognitive interviews. Women underwent Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) exams and completed the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), a prolapse question from the Epidemiology of Prolapse and Incontinence Questionnaire (ISI scores), the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory- 20 (PFDI-20), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Principle components and orthogonal varimax rotation and principle factor analysis with oblique rotation identified item grouping. Cronbach's alpha measured internal consistency. Factor correlations evaluated criterion validation. Change scores compared to change scores in other measures evaluated responsiveness among women who underwent surgery. Results A total of 589 women gave baseline data, 200 returned surveys after treatment, and 147 provided test-retest data. For SAwomen, 3 subscales each in 2 domains (21 items) and for NSA women 2 subscales in each of 2 domains (12 items) emerged with robust psychometric properties. Cronbach's alpha ranged from .63 to .91. For SA women, correlations were in the anticipated direction with PFDI-20, ISI, and FSFI scores, POPQ, and EPIQ question #35 (all p