Writing in the Margins of Sexual Function Questionnaires: A Qualitative Analysis of Data From Women With Pelvic Floor Disorders

Abstract

BackgroundThe impact of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) on female sexual function is not well understood, partly due to difficulties in measurement and evaluation. AimWe sought to assess how women with PFDs respond to sexual function questionnaires through an analysis of survey marginalia, or the comments written in the margins of fixed-choice surveys. Methods94 women with PFDs completed validated written sexual function questionnaires (Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors survey, Female Sexual Function Index, and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, International Urogynecological Association-Revised). Marginalia, or the additions, eliminations, and changes subjects made (by hand) to survey items, were collected. Data were coded and analyzed qualitatively using grounded theory methodology. OutcomesThemes and emergent concepts related to the content of survey marginalia were the primary outcomes of this study. ResultsWe observed 177 instances of marginalia across all questionnaires. Qualitative analysis revealed 7 preliminary themes and 2 emergent concepts. Preliminary themes included partner-related topics, loss, problems during intercourse, emotional problems, other medical problems, and survey answer choices failing to capture the spectrum of patient experiences. Emergent concepts revealed highly diverse sexual function in this population and a wide range of factors that influence sexual function. Clinical ImplicationsConducting qualitative studies alongside sexual function questionnaires can allow for a more meaningful assessment of the sexual function of women with various underlying conditions, such as PFDs. Strengths & LimitationsThis is the first study of its kind to analyze survey marginalia from sexual function questionnaires among women with PFDs. The limitations of this study include the inherently spontaneous nature of marginalia data. In addition, the ways in which study participants responded to sexual function questionnaires in our study may not be reflective of all potential subjects. ConclusionAnalysis of survey marginalia from sexual function questionnaires amongst women with PFDs revealed new information regarding patients' histories, concerns, and thoughts. Over half of the women in this study felt the need to expand, explain, or eliminate responses from the questionnaires. Many subjects were no longer sexually active, which accounted for a large majority of participants leaving questions blank or responding with “N/A.” Standard sexual evaluation tools may fail to capture the complexity, spectrum, and depth and breadth of patient experiences.Parameshwar PS, Borok J, Jung E, et al. Writing in the Margins of Sexual Function Questionnaires: A Qualitative Analysis of Data From Women With Pelvic Floor Disorders. J Sex Med 2020;17:1705–1714.