Skip to main content
. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2016 Aug 22.
Published in final edited form as: J Psychosoc Oncol. 2015;33(4):433–466. doi: 10.1080/07347332.2015.1046012

Table 2.

Sexual Function Measures Used in Selected Studies of Women Diagnosed and Treated for Cancer

Measure Name
Scale citation		 Number of Items Related to
Sexual Function, Sexual
Function-Related Domains,
Reliability, Validity		 Cancer Site and
References
Arizona Sexual Experience
Scale (ASEX)

McGahuey CA, Gelenberg AJ,
Laukes CA, et al. The Arizona
Sexual Experience Scale
(ASEX): reliability and validity.
J Sex Marital Ther.
2000;26(1):25–40.		 5 items

Drive, arousal, vaginal
lubrication, ability to reach
orgasm, satisfaction from
orgasm

Internal consistency, total
scale α = 0.91; test-retest
reliability

Discriminant validity		 Gynecologic: Cleary, et
al., 2011
Brief Index of Sexual
Functioning for Women (BISF –
W)

Taylor JF, Rosen RC, Leiblum
SR. Self-report assessment of
female sexual function:
Psychometric evaluation of the
Brief Index of Sexual
Functioning for Women. Arch
Sex Behav. 1994;23(6):627–643.		 22 items

Desire/sexual Interest, sexual
activity, sexual
satisfaction

Internal consistency α =0.39 –
0.83; test-retest reliability
Pearson r = 0.68 – 0.78

Concurrent validity		 Bone: Barrera, et al., 2010

Cervical: Grange, et al.,
2013
BREAST –Q Reconstruction
Module (BREASTQ)

Pusic AL, Klassen AF, Scott
AM, Klok JA, Cordeiro PG,
Cano SJ. Development of a new
patient-reported outcome
measure for breast surgery: the
BREAST-Q. Plast Reconstr
Surg. 2009;124(2):345–353.		 16 sexual function items, 226
items total

Sexual well-being

Person separation index =
0.76 – 0.95; internal
consistency α = 0.81 – 0.96;
test-retest reliability 0.73 –
0.96

Discriminant validity		 Breast: Zhong, et al., 2012
Cancer and Leukemia Group B
Sexual Functioning Scale
(CALGB SF) / Sexual Function
Related to Cancer Index

Kornblith AB, Anderson J, Cella
DF, et al. Comparison of
psychosocial adaptation and
sexual function of survivors of
advanced Hodgkin disease
treated by MOPP, ABVD, or
MOPP alternating with ABVD.
Cancer. 1992;70(10):2508–2516.

htt;://ctep.cancer.gov/protocolDevelopment/electronic_applications/ctc.htm#ctc_40 		8 items

Sexual interest, activity,
sexual attractiveness,
acceptance by one’s partner

Face validity		 Ovarian: Matulonis, et al.,
2008; Mirabeau-Beale, et
al., 2009
Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation
System (CARES)

Schag CA, Heinrich RL.
Development of a
comprehensive quality of life
measurement tool: CARES.
Oncology (Williston Park).
1990;4(5):135–138.		 2 sexual function items:

Sexual interest, and sexual
dysfunction

Internal consistency of SF
subscale α = 0.82 – 0.88; test-
retest reliability

Content validity; construct
validity based on factor
analysis		 Breast: Rowland, et al.,
2009; Webber, et al., 2011; Imayama et al.,
2013; Jun, et al., 2011;
Rosenberg, et al., 2014;

Colorectal: Kasparek, et
al., 2012
Common Terminology Criteria
Adverse Event Scale
http://ctep.cancer.gov/protocolDevelopment/electronic_applications/ctc.htm
Accessed Sept 18, 2014		 5 sexual function items -
females

For females, 5 subscales, 1 of
which is Vagina
and Sexual Function

Pain from vagina, vaginal
dryness, pain with
intercourse, ability to have
sexual relationship affected

Reliability – not reported

Validity – not reported		 Multiple sites: Adams, et
al., 2014

Gynecologic: Vaz, et al.,
2011
Derogatis Sexual Functioning
Inventory (DSFI)

Derogatis LR, Melisaratos N.
The DSFI: a multidimensional
measure of sexual functioning. J
Sex Marital Ther.
1979;5(3):244–281.		 254 items

Information, experience,
drive, attitudes, psychological
distress,
gender role, fantasy, body
image, sexual satisfaction,
frequency of sexual activity

Internal consistency α = 0.57 –
0.97; test-retest reliability for
8 of the 10 subscales ranged
from 0.56 – 0.94.

Construct validity		 Colorectal: Yu-Hua, 2013;
Gynecologic: Carpenter,
et al., 2009 (Sexual
Satisfaction subscale);
Juraskova, et al., 2013;
Levin, et al., 2010
European Organization for
Research and Treatment of
Cancer Quality of Life Bladder -
24 (EORTC QLQ BL24)

http://groups.eortc.be/qol/bladder-cancer-eortc-qlq-bls24-eortcqlq-blm30 		8 sexual function items

Level of lubrication, interest,
enjoyment, level of activity,
discomfort when thinking
about sexual contact, fear of
harming partner

Reliability/validity – not
reported		 Bladder: van der AA, et
al., 2009
European Organization for
Research and Treatment of
Cancer Quality of Life –Breast
Cancer -23 (EORTC QLQ
BR23)

Sprangers MA, Groenvold M,
Arraras JI, et al. The European
Organization for Research and
Treatment of Cancer breast
cancer-specific quality-of-life
questionnaire module: first
results from a three-country field
study. J Clin Oncol.
1996;14(10):2756–2768.

http://groups.eortc.be/qol/sites/default/files/img/slider/specimen_br23_english.pdf 		3 sexual function items

Domains: Sexual function
(interest, activity) and sexual
enjoyment

Internal consistency for
sexual function domain α =
0.88

Construct, cross cultural
validity		 Breast: Bilfulco, et al.,
2012; Brédart, et al.,
2011; Den Oudsten, et al.,
2010; Dubashi, et al.,
2010; Duijts, et al., 2012;
Fallbjörk, et al., 2013;
Finck, et al., 2012;
Gorisek, et al., 2009;
Jassim, et al., 2013; Kim,
et al., 2012; Moro-Valdezate, et al., 2013;
Munshi, et al., 2010;
Poorkiani, et al., 2010;
Sharif, et al., 2010;
Welzel, et al., 2010;
Macadam, et al., 2010;
Sat-Munoz, et al., 2011;
Schlesinger-Raab, et al.,
2010; Sun, et al., 2014;
Yang, et al., 2011
European Organization for
Research and Treatment of
Cancer Quality of Life Cervix 24
(EORTC QLQ CX24)

Singer S, Kuhnt S,
Momenghalibaf A, et al.
Patients' acceptance and
psychometric properties of the
EORTC QLQ-CX24 after
surgery. Gynecol Oncol.
2010;116(1):82–87.

http://groups.eortc.be/qol/sites/default/files/img/specimen_cx24_english.pdf 		7 sexual function items

Worry about sex being
painful, sexual activity,
lubrication, vaginal
discomfort, pain during sexual
activity, enjoyment,
vaginal/vulvar irritation,
vaginal bleeding/discharge

Internal consistency of
Sexual/Vaginal
Functioning subscale α =
0.76

Discriminant validity		 Cervical: Bilfulco, et al.,
2012; Froeding, et al.,
2013; Greimel, et al.,
2009; Korfage, et al.,
2009; Krikeli, et al., 2011;
Le Borgne, et al., 2013;
Ljuca, et al., 2011;
Mantegna, et al., 2013;
Plotti, et al., 2012;
Ferrandina, et al., 2014;
Quick, et al., 2012;

Endometrial: Becker, et
al., 2010

Gynecologic: Yavas, et
al., 2012
European Organization for
Research and Treatment of
Cancer Quality of Life
Colorectal-38/29 (EORTC QLQ
CR38; EORTC QLQ CR29)

Sprangers MA, te Velde A,
Aaronson NK. The construction
and testing of the EORTC
colorectal cancer-specific quality
of life questionnaire module
(QLQ-CR38). European
Organization for Research and
Treatment of Cancer Study
Group on Quality of Life. Eur J
Cancer. 1999;35(2):238–247.

http://groups.eortc.be/qol/sites/default/files/img/specimen_cr29_english.pdf 		2 sexual function items
(female)

Interest, pain or discomfort
during intercourse		 Anal: Bentzen, et al., 2013

Colorectal: Den Oudsten,
et al., 2012; Digennero, et
al., 2013; Herman, et al.,
2013; Kasparek, et al.,
2012; Mahjoubi, et al.,
2012; Milbury, et al.,
2013; Segalla, et al., 2008;
Thong, et al., 2011;
Thong, Mols, Lemmens, et al., 2011; Trninic, et al.,
2009;

Gynecologic: Rezk, et al.,
2013

Rectal: How, et al., 2012;
Konanz, et al., 2013;
Peng, et al., 2011; Tiv et
al., 2010

Rectal and Anal: Philip, et
al., 2013
European Organization for
Research and Treatment of
Cancer Quality of Life
Endometrium 24 (EORTC QLQ
EN24)

Greimel E, Nordin A, Lanceley
A, et al.. Quality of Life Group.
Psychometric validation of the
European Organisation for
Research and Treatment of
Cancer Quality of Life
Questionnaire-Endometrial
Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-
EN24). Eur J Cancer.
2011;47(2):183–190.
http://groups.eortc.be/qol/sites/default/files/img/specimen_en24_english.pdf 		6 items

Interest, sexual activity,
lubrication, vaginal
discomfort, pain during sexual
activity, enjoyment

Internal consistency of
Sexual/Vaginal Problems
subscale α = 0.86

Convergent, divergent, and
discriminant validity		 Endometrial: Bilfulco, et
al., 2012; Oldenburg, et
al., 2013;
European Organization for
Research and Treatment of
Cancer Quality of Life –Head &
Neck Cancer -35 (EORTC QLQ
HN35)

Bjordal K, Ahlner-Elmqvist M,
Tollesson E, et al. Development
of a European Organization for
Research and Treatment of
Cancer (EORTC) questionnaire
module to be used in quality of
life assessments in head and
neck cancer patients. EORTC
Quality of Life Study Group.
Acta Oncol. 1994;33(8):879–
885.		 2 items

Sexual interest, sexual
enjoyment

Internal consistency not
reported

Content, discriminant validity		 Head & Neck: Psoter, et al., 2012; Low, et al.,
2009
European Organization for
Research and Treatment of
Cancer Quality of Life Item
Bank

van de Poll-Franse LV, Mols F,
Gundy CM, et al. Normative
data for the EORTC QLQ-C30
and EORTC-sexuality items in
the
general Dutch population. Eur J
Cancer 2011;47:667–675.		 5 sexual function items
selected

Sexual activity, interest,
enjoyment, lubrication, pain
during intercourse		 Colorectal: Vissers, et al.,
2014
European Organization for
Research and Treatment of
Cancer Quality of Life –Muscle
Invasive Bladder Cancer-30
(EORTC QLQ MBL30)

http://groups.eortc.be/qol/modules-development-and-available-use 		Number of sexual function
items not yet published		 Gynecologic: Rezk, et al., 2013
European Organization for
Research and Treatment of
Cancer Quality of Life Ovarian-
28 (EORTC QLQ OV28)

Greimel E, Bottomley A, Cull A,
et al. An international field study
of the reliability and validity of a
disease-specific questionnaire
module (the QLQ-OV28) in
assessing the quality of life of
patients with ovarian cancer. Eur
J Cancer. 2003;39(10):1402–
1408.

http://groups.eortc.be/qol/sites/default/files/img/ov28_english_specimen.pdf 		4 sexual function items

Sexual interest, sexual
activity, sexual enjoyment,
vaginal lubrication

Internal consistency of sexual
function domain α = 0.78–
0.90; test-retest reliability
interclass correlation = 0.74

Construct validity		 Ovarian: Bilfulco, et al.,
2012; Minig, et al., 2012;
Nout, et al., 2009
EORTC QLQ supplemental
vulva-specific module –

http://groups.eortc.be/qol/eortcqol-module-cancer-vulva 		Number of sexual function
items not yet reported

Sexual activity, sexual
problems

Validation in progress		 Vulvar: Gunter, et al.,
2014
Female Sexual Distress Scale
(FSDS) or FSDS-revised

Derogatis LR, Rosen R, Leiblum
S, et al. The Female Sexual
Distress Scale (FSDS): initial
validation of a standardized scale
for assessment of sexually
related personal distress in
women. J Sex Marital Ther.
2002;28(4):317–330.		 Revised: 13 items

Sexual dissatisfaction,
bother, unhappiness
(unidimensional)

Construct validity		 Breast: Frechette, et al.,
2013; Raggio, et al., 2014;
Schover, et al., 2014

Gynecologic: Brotto, Erskine, et al., 2012;
Brotto, Heiman, et al., 2008; Brotto, Smith, et al.,
2013; Classen, et al., 2013
Female Sexual Function Index
(FSFI)

Rosen R, Brown C, Heiman J, et
al. The Female Sexual Function
Index (FSFI): a multidimen-
sional self-report instrument for
the assessment of female sexual
function. J Sex Marital Ther
2000;26:191–208.

http://www.fsfiquestionnaire.com/FSFI%20questionnaire2000.pdf 		19 items

Desire, arousal, lubrication,
orgasm, sexual satisfaction,
pain

Internal consistency α >.90

Construct validity		 Multiple sites: Rodrigues,
et al., 2012; Rouanne, et
al., 2013; Vomvas, et al.,
2012

Anal: Corte, et al., 2011

Bladder: Ali-El-Dein et
al., 2013

Breast: Alder, et al., 2008;
Boehmer, et al., 2013;
Cavalheiro, et al., 2012;
Frechette, et al., 2013;
Juraskova, et al., 2013;
Neto, et al., 2013; Park, et al., 2013; Pumo et al.,
2012; Raggio, et al., 2014;
Safarinejad, et al., 2012;
Sbitti, et al., 2011;
Schover, et al., 2012;
Schover et al., 2013;
Schover, et al., 2014;
Vieira, et al., 2013

Colorectal: Bohm, et al.,
2008; Liang, et al., 2008;
McGlone, et al., 2012;
Milbury, et al., 2013;
Reese, et al., 2012; Reese,
et al., 2014; Traa, et al.,
2012

Cervical: Becker, et al.,
2010; Carter, et al., 2008;
Carter, et al., 2010;
Froeding, et al., 2013;
Harding, et al., 2014;
Song, et al., 2012; Serati,
et al., 2009; Tsai, et al., 2011

Gynecologic: Brotto, Erskine, et al., 2012;
Brotto, Heiman, et al., 2008; Brotto, Smith, et al., 2012; Carpenter, et al.,
2009; Chun, et al., 2008;
Chun, et al., 2011;
Fotopoulou, et al., 2008;
Harter, et al., 2013;
Onujiogu, et al., 2011;
Pilger, et al., 2012;

Breast and gynecologic:
Schover, et al., 2013

Endometrial: Damast, et al.,
2012; Damast, et al.,
2014

Rectal: Stănciulea, et al.,
2013; Contin, et al., 2014;
Segelman, et al., 2013
Rectal and Anal: Philip, et
al., 2013

Vaginal: Yin, et al., 2013

Vulvar: de Melo Ferreira, et al., 2012; Forner, et al.,
2013; Hazewinkel, et al.,
2012
Functional Assessment of
Chronic Illness Therapy--
Spiritual Well-being Scale
(FACIT-Sp)

Peterman AH, Fitchett G, Brady
MJ, et al. Measuring spiritual
well-being in people with
cancer: the Functional
Asessment of Chronic Illness
Therapy--Spiritual Well-being
Scale (FACIT-Sp). Ann Behav
Med. 2002;24(1):49–58.		 1 sexual function item

Sexual satisfaction		 All sites: Maruelli, et al.,
2014
Functional Assessment of
Cancer Therapy – General
(FACT-G)

Cella DF, Tulsky DS, Gray G, et
al. The Functional Assessment
of Cancer Therapy scale:
development and validation of
the general measure. J Clin
Oncol 1993;11: 570–579.

http://www.facit.org/FACITOrg/Questionnaires 		1 sexual function item

Sexual satisfaction		 Gynecologic: Levin, et al.,
2010

Multiple sites: Maruelli, et al.,
2014
Functional Assessment of
Cancer Therapy – Cervix
(FACT-CX)

http://www.facit.org/FACITOrg/Questionnaires 		5 sexual function items

Bother by vaginal discharge,
bleeding, odor; fear of having
sex; feeling of sexual
attractiveness; vaginal size;
sexual interest

Internal consistency and
validity not reported for
sexual function-related items		 Cervical: Carter, et al.,
2008; Ditto, et al., 2009;
Fernandes, et al., 2010;
Tian et al., 2013
Functional Assessment of
Cancer Therapy – Endocrine
Symptoms (FACT-ES)

Fallowfield LJ, Leaity SK,
Howell A, et al. Assessment of
quality of life in women
undergoing hormonal therapy for
breast cancer: Validation of an
endocrine symptom subscale for
the FACT-B. Breast Cancer Res
Treat. 1999;55(2):189–99.		 1 sexual function item

Sexual satisfaction		 Multiple sites: Absolom et
al., 2008

Breast: Frechette, et al.,
2013
German Testicular Cancer Trial
group SX (based on EORTC
QLQ Cancer30 and additional
items)

Flechtner H, Rüffer JU, Henry-
Amar M, et al. Quality of life
assessment in Hodgkin's disease:
a new comprehensive approach.
First experiences from the
EORTC/GELA and GHSG
trials. EORTC Lymphoma
Cooperative Group. Groupe
D'Etude des Lymphomes de
L'Adulte and German Hodgkin
Study Group. Ann Oncol. 1998;9
Suppl 5:S147–154.		 45 items total; number of
sexual function items not
provided

Sexual interest, sexual
activity, and satisfaction

Reliability/validity not
reported		 Hodgkin’s Disease:
Behringer, et al., 2013
Golombok Rust Inventory of
Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS)

Rust J, Golombok S. The
GRISS: a psychometric
instrument for the assessment of
sexual dysfunction. Arch Sex
Behav. 1986;15(2):157–165.		 28 items (male and female)

Anorgasmia, vaginismus,
noncommunication, frequence
of sexual activity, avoidance
of sexual activity, sexual
dissatisfaction

Internal consistency α = 0.72
– 0.90; split-half reliability −
0.94 (females)

Discriminant, predictive, and
construct validity		 Colorectal: Traa, et al.,
2012
Green Climacteric Scale (GCS)

Greene JG. Constructing a
standard climacteric scale.
Maturitas. 1998;29(1):25–31.		 21 items, 1 sexual function
item

Interest		 All sites: Marino, et al.,
2013

Breast: Sayakhot, et al.,
2011
Gynaecologic Leiden
Questionnaire (GLQ)

Pieterse QD, Ter Kuile MM,
Maas CP, et al. The
Gynaecologic Leiden
Questionnaire: psychometric
properties of a self-report
questionnaire of sexual function
and vaginal changes for
gynaecological cancer patients.
Psychooncology.
2008;17(7):681–689.		 7 sexual function items

Sexual complaints, sexual
function, orgasm

Convergent, divergent,
concurrent, and discriminant
validities		 Cervical: Pieterse, et al., 2013
Index of Female Satisfaction
(IFS)

Hudson WW, Harrison DF,
Crosscup PC. A short-form scale
to measure sexual discord in
dyadic relationships. J Sex Res
1981; 7(2):157–174.		 25 items

Sexual behaviors, attitudes,
affective states associated
with sexual relationship of
couple

Internal consistency α = 0.91
– .93; test-retest reliability =
0.93		 Breast: Finck, et al., 2012
McCoy Female Sexuality
Questionnaire (MSFQ)/

and MSFQ short form, Personal
Experiences Questionnaire
(SPEQ)

McCoy NL, Matyas JR. Oral
contraceptives and sexuality in
university women. Arch Sex
Behav.
1996;25:73–90.

Dennerstein L, Lehert P, Dudley
E. Short scale to measure female
sexuality: adapted from McCoy
Female Sexuality Questionnaire.
J Sex Marital Ther.
2001;27:339–351.		 MSFQ: 19 items
SPEQ: 9 items

MSFQ: Sexual satisfaction,
sexual thoughts/fantasies,
frequency of sexual activity,
vaginal lubrication, orgasm,
partner’s sexual function
SPEQ: Feelings for partners,
sexual responsivity, vaginal
dryness/dyspareunia,
frequency of sexual activity,
libido, partner sexual function

MSFQ: internal consistency α
= 0.74, test-retest reliability =
0.69 – 0.95
SPEQ: α = 0.74 – 0.95

Construct validity		 MSFQ
Breast: Biglia, et al., 2010; Davis, et al., 2010

SPEQ
Breast: Sayakhot, et al.,
2011
Medical Outcomes Study Sexual
Functioning Scale (MOS-SF)

Sherbourne, CD. Social
Functioning: Sexual Problems
Measures. In: Stewart, AL.;
Ware, JE., Eds. Measuring
Functioning and Well-Being.
Durham and London: Duke
University Press;
1992, pp. 194–204.		 4 items

Sexual arousal, sexual
interest, unable to relax and
enjoy sex, orgasm

Internal consistency (females)
α = 0.90		 Childhood: Zebrack, et al.,
2010

Anal: Das, et al., 2010
Menopausal Sexual Interest
Questionnaire (MSIQ)

Rosen RC, Lobo RA, Block BA,
et al. Menopausal Sexual Interest
Questionnaire (MSIQ): A
unidimensional scale for the
assessment of sexual interest in
postmenopausal women. J Sex
Marital Ther. 2004;30(4):235–
250.		 10 items

Sexual interest, sexual desire,
sexual responsiveness

Internal consistency
consistency α > 0.86;
test-retest reliability Pearson r
= 0.52–0.76; construct
validity		 Breast and gynecologic:
Schover, et al., 2013;
Schover, et al., 2014
Menopause-Specific Quality of
Life Questionnaire (MSQOL)

Hilditch JR, Lewis J, Peter A, et
al. A menopause-specific quality
of life questionnaire:
Development and psychometric
properties. Maturitas.
1996;24(3):161–175.		 3 sexual function items

Internal consistency α 0.77;
content, discriminant, and
construct validity		 Breast: Panjari, et al.,
2011; Davis, et al., 2014
Menopausal Symptom Scale
(MSS)

Ganz PA, Greendale GA,
Petersen L, et al. Managing
menopausal symptoms in breast
cancer survivors: results of a
randomized controlled trial. J
Natl Cancer Inst.
2000;92(13):1054–1064.		 3 items, vaginal subscale

Vaginal subscale: vaginal
dryness, genital itching/
irritation, and pain with
intercourse

Internal consistency α = 0.73		 Breast: Morrow, et al.,
2014
Pelvic Organ Prolapse/ Urinary
Incontinence Sexual
Questionnaire (PISQ-12)

Rogers RG, Coates KW,
Kammerer-Doak D. et al. A
short form of the pelvic organ
prolapsed/urinary incontinence
sexual questionnaire (PISQ-12).
Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor
Dysfunct 2003;14:164–168.		 12 items, 10 items relevant to
female sexual function

Arousal, satisfaction, pain,
incontinence interference with
sexual function, vaginal
function, emotional reaction
to sexual activity, orgasm,
partner sexual function

Discriminant validity		 Gynecologic: Rutledge, et
al., 2010
Profile of Female Sexual
Function (PFSF)

Derogatis L, Rust J, Golombok
S, et al. Validation of the Profile
of Female Sexual Function
(PFSF) in surgically and
naturally menopausal women. J
Sex Marital Ther.
2004;30(1):25–36.		 37 items

Sexual desire, arousal,
orgasm, sexual pleasure,
sexual concerns, sexual
responsiveness, and sexual
self-image

Internal consistency α = 0.74
– 0.95; test-retest reliability =
0.58 – 0.91		 Breast: Biglia et al., 2010
Patient-Reported Outcomes
Measurement Information
System Sexual Function and
Satisfaction Measures (PROMIS
SexFS)

Flynn KE, Lin L, Cyranowski
JM, et al. Development of the
NIH PROMIS ® Sexual
Function and Satisfaction
measures in patients with cancer.
J Sex Med. 2013;10 Suppl 1:43–
52.

Weinfurt KP, Lin L, Bruner,
DW, et al.. Development and
initial validation of the PROMIS
Sexual Function and Satisfaction
Measures, version 2.0. 2014 In
press.		 Version 1.0 – 10 items
(females)
Version 2.0 – 13 items
(females)

Interest in sexual activity,
lubrication, vaginal
discomfort, orgasm, anal
discomfort,
therapeutic aids, sexual
activities, interfering factors,
global satisfaction with sex
life

Item response theory; items
calibrated

Content, discriminant,
convergent validity		 Cervical: Zaid, et al., 2014
[used 9 PROMIS SexSF
items]
Questionnaire for Screening
Sexual Dysfunctions (QSD)

Vroege JA (1994) Vragenlijst
voor het signaleren van seksuele
dysfuncties (VSD). 5de versie.
Academisch Ziekenhuis
Utrecht, Afdeling Medische
seksuologie/Nederlands Instituut
voor Sociaal Sexuologisch
Onderzoek, Utrecht		 12 items (?)

Desire, arousal, orgasm, pain,
frequency, distress		 Breast: Kedde, et al.,
2013
Quality of Life of Cancer
Survivors (QLACS)

Avis NE, Smith KW, McGraw
S, et al. Assessing quality of life
in adult cancer survivors
(QLACS). Qual Life Res.
2005;14(4):1007–1023.		 2 sexual function items

Dissatisfaction with sex life;
bothered by inability to
function sexually

Internal consistency for
sexual problems domain
α = 0.72

Criterion validity		 Breast: Morrow, et al.,
2014
Questionnaire of Marital Sexual
Problems (QMSP)

Cibor R. Struktura “ja” a
motywy podejmowania leczenia.
Katowice:
Uniwersytet Śląski; 1994. (as
reported by Pietrzyk, 2009)		 14 items

Quality of marital sexual
relations, desire, orgasm,
satisfaction, enjoyment,
avoidance of sexual activity,
fear of sexual activity, partner
sexual behavior

Internal consistency α = 0.77		 Endometrial: Pietrzyk,
2009
Relationship and Sexuality
(RSS)

Berglund G, Nystedt M, Bolund
C, et al.. Effect of endocrine
treatment on sexuality in
premenopausal breast cancer
patients: a prospective
randomized study. J Clin Oncol.
2001;19(11):2788–2796.		 13 sexual function items

Function, frequency, fear,
emotional closeness/distance,
affection, sexual
desire, arousal, orgasm, and
frequency

Internal consistency α = 0.77
– 0.88		 Breast: Brédart, et al.,
2011; Zaied, et al., 2013
Sexual Activity Questionnaire
(SAQ) or Fallowfield’s Sexual
Activity Questionnaire (FSAQ)

Thirlaway K, Fallowfield L,
Cuzick J. The Sexual Activity
Questionnaire: A measure of
women's sexual functioning.
Qual Life Res. 1996;5(1):81–90.

Atkins L, Fallowfield LJ.
Fallowfield's Sexual Activity
Questionnaire in women with
without and at risk of cancer.
Menopause Int. 2007;13(3):103–
109.		 10 items

Pleasure, discomfort
(lubrication, pain), habit

Test-retest reliability, Pearson
r = 0.65 – 1.0

Discriminant validity		 All sites: Absolom, et al.,
2008; Marino, et al., 2013

Breast: Brédart, et al.,
2011; Duijts, et al., 2012;
Juraskova, et al., 2013

Cervical: Greimel, et al.,
2009

Non-Hodgkin’s
Lymphoma: Beckjord, et
al., 2011

Ovarian: Campos, et al.,
2012; Hopkins, et al.,
2014; Liavaag, 2008

Gynecologic : Harter, et
al., 2013
Sexual Adjustment
Questionnaire –(SAQ-W&M)

Waterhouse J, Metcalf MC.
Development of the Sexual
Adjustment Questionnaire.
Oncol Nurs Forum. 1986;13:53–
59.		 110 items

Desire, relationship, activity
level, arousal, orgasm,
techniques, satisfaction.

Test-retest reliability 0.67

Construct validity		 Cervical: Greenwald & McCorkle, 2008 (used 6
items from SAQ-W&M))
Sexual Function Questionnaire
(SFQ)

Quirk FH, Heiman JR, Rosen
RC, et al. Development of a
sexual function questionnaire for
clinical trials of female sexual
dysfunction. J Womens Health
Gend Based Med.
2002;11(3):277–289.

Quirk F, Haughie S, Symonds T.
The use of the Sexual Function
Questionnaire as a screening tool
for women with sexual
dysfunction. J Sex Med.
2005;2(4):469–477.		 31 items

Desire, physical arousal-
sensation, physical arousal-
lubrication, enjoyment,
orgasm, pain, and partner
relationship

Internal consistency for
domains α = 0.65 – 0.91; test-
retest reliability - 0.21 to 0.71

Discriminant validity		 Breast: Herbenick, et al.,
2008

Gynecologic: Brotto, Erskine, et al., 2012

Colorectal: Reese, et al.,
2014
Sexual Function-Vaginal
Changes Questionnaire (SVQ)

Jensen PT, Klee MC, Thranov I,
et al. Validation of a
questionnaire for self-assessment
of sexual function and vaginal
changes after gynaecological
cancer. Psychooncology. 2004;
13:577–592.		 20 items

Sexual activity, interest,
global sexual satisfaction,
body image; sexual function,
vaginal changes, intimacy

Internal consistency α = 0.76
to 0.83.

Content validity		 Cervical: Froeding, et al.,
2013

Breast: Stafford, et al.,
2011

Colorectal: Bruheim, et
al., 2010

Endometrial: Friedman, et
al., 2011; Rowlands, et al.,
2014

Gynecologic: Stafford, et
al, 2011 Quick, et al.,
2012; McCallum, et al.,
2014

Rectal: Braendengen, et
al., 2011; Bregendahl, et
al., 2014
Sexual Quality of Life-Female
(SQOL-F)

Symonds T, Boolell M, Quirk F.
Development of a questionnaire
on sexual quality of life in
women. J Sex Marital Ther.
2005 Oct–Dec;31(5):385–97.		 18 items

Female sexual dysfunction:
Self-esteem, emotional
issues, and relationship
issues

Internal consistency α = 0.95

Convergent, discriminant
validity		 Gyn: Golbasi, et al., 2012
Sexual Quociente –Feminino
(SQ-Feminino)

Abdo CHN. Quociente sexual
feminino: Um questionário
brasileiro para avaliar a atividade
sexual da mulher. Diagn
Tratamento 2009;14(2):89–91.
[Portugese]
http://files.bvs.br/upload/S/1413-9979/2009/v14n2/a0013.pdf 		10 items

Sexual fantasies/thoughts,
interest, arousal, lubrication,
vaginal function, ability to
concentrate during sexual
intercourse, orgasm,
satisfaction

Internal consistency tested but
not reported

Construct validity		 Breast: Manganiello, et
al., 2011
Sexual Satisfaction
Measurement Tool (in Korean)

Kim SN, Chang SB, Kang HS.
Development of Sexual
Satisfaction Measurement Tool.
J Nurs Acad Soc.
1997;27(4):753–764.		 17 items

Situational factors, response
factors

Internal consistency α = 0.91

Content validity		 Breast: Jun, et al., 2011
Short Sexual Function Scale
(SSFS) and Specific Sexual
Problems Questionnaire (SSPQ)

Aerts L, Enzlin P, Verhaeghe J,
et al.. Psychologic, relational,
and sexual functioning in women
after surgical treatment of vulvar
malignancy: a prospective
controlled study. Int J Gynecol
Cancer 2014;24:372–380.		 SSFS: 3 items
SSPQ: 4 items

SSFS: Desire, lubrication,
orgasm
SSPQ: Dyspareunia,
abdominal pain, orgasm

SSFS Internal consistency α
= 0.89
SSPQ Internal consistency α
= 0.93		 Vulvar: Aerts, et al., 2014
Swedish Sex Survey (SSS)

Helmius G. The 1996 Swedish
Sex Survey : an introduction and
remarks on changes in early
sexual experiences. Scand J
Sexol. 1998;1:63–70.
https://bibliotek.kk.dk/ting/object/870971%3A84726567 		13 items used

Interest, orgasmic
dysfunction, lubrication,
dyspareunia

Reliability/validity not
reported		 Breast: Baumgart, et al.,
2013
Watts Sexual Functioning Scale
(WSFS)

Watts RJ. Sexual functioning,
health beliefs, and compliance
with high blood pressure
medications. Nurs Res.
1982;31(5):278–283.

Watts Sexual Function
Questionnaire (WSFQ)
Kristofferzon ML, Johansson I,
Brännström M, et al. Evaluation
of a Swedish version of the
Watts Sexual Function
Questionnaire (WSFQ) in
persons with heart disease: a
pilot study. Eur J Cardiovasc
Nurs. 2010;9(3):168–174.		 WSFS 15 items

Arousal/desire, satisfaction,
problems with sexual
intercourse, attitudes

Internal consistency α = 0.8
(per Decker)		 Breast: Abasher, et al.,
2009; Decker et al., 2012
WHOQOL-100

http://www.who.int/mental_health/media/en/76.pdf 		4 sexual function items

Sexual satisfaction:
assessment of sex life,
fulfillment of sexual needs,
satisfaction, bother by
problems in sex life

Internal consistency α = 0.83,
test-retest reliability

Discriminant, content validity		 Breast: Den Oudsten, et
al., 2010
Women’s Health Questionnaire
(WHQ- Sexual Function
subscale)

Hunter MS. The Women's
Health Questionnaire (WHQ):
Frequently asked questions
(FAQ). Health Qual Life
Outcomes. 2003 10;1:41.		 3 sexual function items
(optional)

Internal consistency of sexual
function items α = 0.59		 Breast: Sismondi, et al.,
2011

Childhood cancer: Ford, et
al., 2014