title: Development and validation of the Female Sexual Function Index adaptation for breast cancer patients (FSFI-BC).
abstract: Sexual dysfunction following breast cancer treatment is common and screening for this is recommended. This study determined the reliability, validity, and acceptability of a breast cancer-specific adaptation of the Female Sexual Function Index, the FSFI-BC. This new measure addresses limitations in the FSFI when assessing sexual dysfunction of women with breast cancer regarding applicability to non-sexually active women, measuring distress and changes after cancer. Female breast cancer survivors (n = 596; 429 sexually active, 166 non-sexually active) completed an online survey including demographic/medical information, the FSFI-BC, and scales measuring sexual functioning, fatigue, body image, physical and mental health, and relationship adjustment (Time 1). Three weeks later, 326 women (245 sexually active; 81 non-sexually active) completed the Time 2 survey including the FSFI-BC, and questions regarding its acceptability and perceived change in sexual functioning. Reliability, construct validity, and acceptability were examined using standard scale validation techniques. Exploratory factor analysis delineated seven factors: Changes after cancer, desire/arousal, lubrication, orgasm, pain, satisfaction, and distress, accounting for 79.98 % (sexually active) and 77.19 % (non-active) variance in responses. Acceptable internal consistencies (non-active: α = 0.71-0.96; sexually active: α = 0.89-0.96) and test-retest reliabilities (non-active: r = 0.63-0.86; sexually active: r = 0.71-0.88) were evident. Inter-scale correlations provided evidence for convergent and divergent validities of the FSFI-BC. Both sexually active and non-active women provided positive feedback about the FSFI-BC. The optional partner questions demonstrated clinical utility. With desirable psychometric properties and acceptability to participants, the FSFI-BC is suitable for screening for sexual dysfunction in women with breast cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Iris
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bartula
authors.forename: Kerry A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Sherman
mesh_terms: D001828:Body Image; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054327:Lubricants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D054327:Lubricants