Evidence of content validity of the nursing outcome "sexual functioning" from the nursing outcome classification.

Purpose: To evaluate the content validity evidence of the nursing outcome "sexual functioning" from the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC).

Methods: A multi-method study, including a methodological study analyzing the content validity evidence of the NOC outcome and sexual functioning, and a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study. In the first phase, a literature review was conducted to map and identify clinical indicators associated with sexual functioning to construct the conceptual (CD) and operational definitions (ODs) of each outcome indicator. In the second phase, experts assessed the CD and OD for clarity, theoretical relevance, and theoretical pertinence. The critical validity ratio (CVR) was calculated for each indicator. In the third phase, a pilot test of sexual functioning measurement was conducted with 33 patients hospitalized for coronary artery disease. Internal consistency was calculated through Cronbach's alpha.

Results: The CD and OD were constructed based on 120 articles and analyzed by 13 experts; four rounds were required to achieve the critical CVR in each phase. In the pilot test, the nursing outcome achieved a Cronbach's alpha of 0.95, and the mean assessment time was 26 min. Indicators with the highest mean scores were related to knowledge of personal needs and capabilities and comfort with one's own body.

Conclusion: The CD and OD developed for the NOC outcome, sexual functioning, had adequate evidence of content validity. The outcome content has high internal consistency. Further studies on the validity of the nursing outcome should be conducted to increase its validity.

Implications for practice: The nursing outcome, sexual functioning, can be a tool used by nurses to evaluate the effect of nursing education and interventions on sexual functioning in the adult population.