The Sexual Function Questionnaire: Validation and Gender-Neutral Adaptation to Hungarian (SFQ18_HU)

Abstract

Objectives: Assessment tools for sexual function have been developed and validated separately for women and men, resulting in gender-specific screening tools. In order to fill in this gap, the objective of this study was the translation, adaptation and validation of the Sexual Function Questionnaire- Version 2 (SFQ-V2) into Hungarian, in a gender-neutral language, to make it suitable for both genders. Methods: A total of 1662 adults were evaluated with the checklist. The items were translated and adapted for both male and female respondents, reformulating in the specific Hungarian gender-neutral vocabulary. An exploratory factor analysis was performed for this new scale, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach’s alpha was used to examine the reliability of the factors. We assumed sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value in the detection of sexual dysfunction. Results: The Hungarian, gender neutral version of the scale consists of 18 questions and 5 domains: arousal, desire, pain, enjoyment and orgasm. According to our results, the model with 5-factor structure is adequate, in that it was indicated by the model fit indices. Our results have revealed that the SFQ_18 HU has good psychometric properties and may be a useful instrument for assessing of sexual functions. Conclusions: The use of the instrument both in clinical practice and/or research can be effective, while the administration and interpretation of scores is easy and not time consuming. The proposed questionnaire, SFQ18_HU is conceptualized as a screening scale or checklist, not a diagnostic instrument.