Psychometric Features of a Multidimensional Sexual Questionnaire for Iranian Men and Women

Abstract

Sexual issues are one of the most important factors in strengthening family relationships and marital quality in married people. In Iran, there are few appropriate tools for measuring the quality of sexuality in the life of married people. So, the aim of this work is to develop a Persian version of the multidimensional sexual questionnaire (P-MSQ) among Iranian men and women. In a cross-sectional study (from 6 June 2016 to 3 January 2017), using a correlation–descriptive method, 335 married men and women among 2600 married people (18–66 years old) referred to Iranian Counseling Centers were selected. The sampling method was purposeful. Also, a subsample of 40 participants (18 males, 22 females) was conveniently selected to investigate the test–retest reliability. All data were analyzed using SPSS-21 and LISREL 8.72. The reliability of P-MSQ was assessed with internal consistency, test–retest, and item–rest correlation methods. In addition, the validity of the scale was examined using factor analysis, correlations between subscales, and criterion validity methods. Cronbach’s alpha values (0.68–0.84), item–rest correlations (0.45–0.86), and test–retest coefficients (0.60–0.89) suggested good reliability of the P-MSQ. Explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis supported the original 12-factor model of the questionnaire. Also, the internal relations between the subscales of the P-MSQ were appropriate (0.12–0.77). Comparison tests between the two groups showed that the levels of Sexual-Esteem, Sexual-Preoccupation, Internal-Sexual-Control, Sexual-Consciousness, Sexual-Motivation, and Sexual-Satisfaction were higher in men than in women (P < 0.01). It can be concluded that the P-MSQ is an effective tool for evaluating the sexuality of married men and women in the Iranian population. Therefore, this effective and appropriate questionnaire can be used for scientific research in the field of sexual health and for measuring the quality of marital life of couples in the Iranian population.