Evaluation of a Swedish version of the Watts Sexual Function Questionnaire (WSFQ) in persons with heart disease: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
As part of preparation for a Swedish multicentre study, exploring sexual and married life in patients with myocardial infarction and their partners, a Swedish validated instrument was required.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a Swedish version of the Watts Sexual Function Questionnaire (WSFQ) among persons with a heart disease.


METHODS
A convenience sample of 79 persons (47 men and 32 women) living with a heart disease was recruited from the members of the National Association of Heart and Lung Patients. They completed a Swedish version of the WSFQ on two occasions.


RESULTS
Two separate factor analyses each revealed a two-factor structure on both occasions: "Sexual appetite" and "Sexual expectations" with gender-neutral questions and "Sexual sensitiveness" and "Sexual ability" with gender-specific questions. Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.48 to 0.86 and test-retest values for all but one question exceeded 0.70.


CONCLUSIONS
The Swedish version of the WSFQ showed good validity and stability and acceptable internal homogeneity. Extended evaluations of the questionnaire are recommended.
Kristofferzon
Marja-Leena
ML
Department of Caring Science and Sociology, University of Gävle, SE-801 76 Gävle, Sweden. mko@hig.se
Johansson
Ingela
I
Brännström
Margareta
M
Arenhall
Eva
E
Baigi
Amir
A
Brunt
David
D
Fridlund
Bengt
B
Nilsson
Ulrica
U
Persson
Sylvi
S
Rask
Mikael
M
Wieslander
Inger
I
Ivarsson
Bodil
B
D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000502:physiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden