Oncology Section EDGE Task Force on Cancer: A Systematic Review of Patient-Reported Measures for Sexual Dysfunction. Issue 3 (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alappattu, Meryl; Harrington, Shana E.; Hill, Alexandra; Roscow, Amanda; Jeffrey, Alicia
• Is Part Of: Rehabilitation oncology. Volume 35:Issue 3(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: cancer -- patient-reported outcomes -- sexual dysfunction -- urogenital cancer; Cancer -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Nursing -- Periodicals; 616.99406
• DOI: 10.1097/01.REO.0000000000000071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2168-3808

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Sexual dysfunction is an important and infrequently addressed issue in patients with cancer. Purpose: To identify self-report measures for assessing sexual dysfunction and to evaluate their psychometric properties and relevance to patients with cancer. Methods: Multiple electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO) were reviewed using specific search terms to locate articles that identify self-report measures assessing sexual dysfunction. From the 1118 articles reviewed, 21 measures were selected for analysis. Each measure was independently reviewed and rated by 2 reviewers using the Cancer EDGE Task Force Outcome Measure Rating Form. Any discrepancies between reviewers were discussed, and an overall recommendation for each measure was made using the 4-point Cancer EDGE Task Force Rating Scale. Results: On the basis of the psychometric properties and relevance to patients with cancers, we highly recommend the following 4 measures: Sexual Function–Vaginal Changes Questionnaire; International Index of Erectile Function; Erection Hardness Score; and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (aka International Index of Erectile Function–5). We recommend one measure, the Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory. We are unable to recommend 8 measures, based on limited psychometric information and/or clinical utility. Finally, we do not recommend an additional 8 measures. Conclusions: Five of the 21 sexual dysfunction measures demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties and application to the cancer population and are thereby recommended for clinical use in patients with cancer.