A modified method for assessing sexual function in women

Background. Modern Russia, like many countries around the world, is undergoing a significant transformation of family and reproductive strategies, which is reflected in demographic and sexological trends. A comprehensive study of these interrelated processes requires the integration of demographic analysis methodologies, sociological research, and clinical data, emphasizing the relevance of interdisciplinary approaches in the field of public health. Sexual disharmony in couples, often caused by the presence of sexual dysfunctions in one or both partners, is an important factor in the destabilization of family relations and the aggravation of the demographic crisis. The diagnosis of sexual dysfunctions presents significant difficulties in clinical practice, largely due to their high comorbidity with somatic diseases and mental disorders. This fact is not always fully taken into account by doctors of non-core specialties, which makes it difficult to detect violations in a timely manner and organize early access to specialized care for patients. In this regard, the development and implementation of concise, reliable and valid screening tools for the prompt diagnosis of sexual dysfunctions is an important scientific and practical task.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the Department of Sexology of the Moscow Scientific Research Institute of Psychiatry. It was attended by 122 women of reproductive age. The main method was a questionnaire using two versions of the questionnaire for assessing female sexual function: the classical (full) version and a specially developed modified (abbreviated) version. The aim was a comparative study of the psychometric properties of the modified version.

Results. A modified (shortened) version of the female sexual function questionnaire has demonstrated high effectiveness as a screening tool for sexual dysfunctions in women. The study confirmed its high reliability, as evidenced by the Cronbach's index of internal consistency = 0.8141. The diagnostic accuracy of the abridged questionnaire was assessed as high based on the results of the ROC analysis (Area under the curve, AUC = 0.990), which indicates its ability to differentiate women with and without sexual dysfunctions. The shortened version retains the basic diagnostic capabilities of the full version.

Conclusion. The developed modified version of the female sexual function questionnaire is a convenient tool for practical healthcare. Its abbreviated format simplifies its use in clinical practice, especially by primary care physicians and related specialties (internists, gynecologists, urologists, psychiatrists) who do not have in-depth training in sexology. Focusing on key aspects of sexual function while avoiding excessive detail makes the tool convenient for rapid screening in a time-limited setting. This makes it possible to improve the early detection of sexual dysfunctions, timely refer patients to specialized sexologists for in-depth diagnosis and treatment, and, as a result, contribute to the prevention of family disharmony and improve the quality of life of patients.

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