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. 2024 Jul 3;21(1):98.
doi: 10.1186/s12978-024-01840-y.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the sexual satisfaction questionnaire for postmenopausal women (PWSSQ): an exploratory mixed method study protocol

Nasim Shahrahmani  1 , Raheleh Babazadeh  2   3 , Abbas Ebadi  4   5
Affiliations

Development and psychometric evaluation of the sexual satisfaction questionnaire for postmenopausal women (PWSSQ): an exploratory mixed method study protocol

Nasim Shahrahmani et al. Reprod Health. .

Abstract

Background: The concept of sexual satisfaction in menopausal women is very different from that in premenopausal women, and this difference is due to aging and physical, hormonal, cultural, and psychological changes. Therefore, the first step in discovering methods for assessing sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women is to develop a measurement instrument. This study was conducted to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a sexual satisfaction instrument for postmenopausal women.

Methods: The current study is an exploratory-sequential mixed-methods research project that will be divided into two parts: qualitative and quantitative. Aligned with the primary objective of the research, which is to elucidate the concept of sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women, the hybrid concept analysis model developed by Schwartz and Kim will be employed. This model comprises three key phases: the theoretical phase, the fieldwork phase, and the final analytical phase. Those who met the inclusion criteria and exhibited maximum variance in terms of age, educational level, employment status, and menopausal duration were recruited. The conventional content analysis will be carried out following the steps proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Second, in the quantitative phase, the psychometric properties of the instrument were evaluated, including the content, face and construct validity and reliability via internal consistency and stability. The psychometric properties described in the COSMIN checklist will be utilized for designing the instrument.

Discussion: A valid and reliable scale for evaluating the sexual satisfaction of postmenopausal women should be developed, and educational content should be designed to improve the sexual satisfaction of this group of women.

Keywords: Postmenopausal women; Psychometric evaluation; Reliability; Sequential exploratory mixed-method study; Sexual satisfaction; Study protocol; Validity.

Plain language summary

Menopause is a natural event that is accompanied by numerous physical and psychological changes that create a complex period in the life of postmenopausal women. Sexual satisfaction is a component related to human sexuality and is known as the last stage of the sexual response cycle. Sexual satisfaction is defined as the emotional response resulting from the mental evaluation of positive and negative things in a sexual relationship. Sexual satisfaction is one of the important factors of satisfaction in married life. People who have sexual satisfaction have a significantly better quality of life than those who do not have sexual satisfaction. The concept of sexual satisfaction in menopausal women is very different from that in premenopausal women, and this difference is due to aging and physical, hormonal, cultural, and psychological changes. Sexual satisfaction is important for researchers for two reasons. First, sexual satisfaction provides a mechanism through which to assess a relationship partner's performance. Second, sexual satisfaction is a predictor of other aspects of the relationship, such as marital quality and stability. To discuss feelings and discover methods for achieving sexual satisfaction in postmenopausal women, it is necessary to understand the factors affecting sexual satisfaction and dissatisfaction in this group. The existing tools in the field of women's sexual satisfaction are not designed for this age group (menopausal women) and do not have the necessary comprehensiveness and adequacy to assess sexual satisfaction in menopausal women. Therefore, this study will be conducted to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the sexual satisfaction of postmenopausal women.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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