Sexual satisfaction and sexual function in women with gynecologic cancer: validation of the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women in Taiwan

Abstract

ObjectiveTo date, there are few validated multidimensional measures of sexual satisfaction that have been translated and empirically validated among Chinese speaking women with gynecologic cancer. The study was undertaken to validate the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women and to examine sexual satisfaction and sexual functioning in a sample of women with gynecologic cancer.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 209 women, of which 106 had gynecologic cancer and 103 were in the non-cancer group with no history of cancer. Self-evaluations included the Female Sexual Function Index and Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women Traditional Chinese version. Analyses for internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity were performed. Analysis of variance was conducted for group comparison on sexual satisfaction and sexual functioning.ResultsThe Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women Traditional Chinese version showed good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α=0.965) and acceptable test–retest reliability (r=0.954). The confirmatory factor analysis on the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women Traditional Chinese version suggested the goodness of fit indices (χ²/df, root mean square residual, goodness of fit index, normed-fit index, comparative fit index, and adjusted goodness of fit index) were good. The women with gynecologic cancer gave significantly lower ratings (mean 102.18) than those without cancer (mean 118.09) for each of the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women Traditional Chinese version domains and total score. Significant differences between women with cancer (mean 13.08) and without cancer (mean 22.92) were noted for each of the Female Sexual Function Index domains and total scores (all p<0.0001).ConclusionsThis translated version of the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women appears to be a reliable and valid instrument for measuring multifaceted components of sexual satisfaction in the general and clinical population of women rooted in Chinese culture.