Validation of the Persian version of Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19)

Objective (s): The objective of this study was to translate and to test the reliability and validity of the Persian version of Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19).

Using a standard «forward-backward'' translation procedure، the English language version of the questionnaire was translated into Persian (Iranian language). Then a sample of 226 women with multiple sclerosis aged 18-65 years completed the questionnaire. To test reliability the internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach''s alpha coefficient. Validity was evaluated using face validity، content validity، convergent validity and discriminant validity.

The mean age of respondents was 35. 7 (SD=8. 07) years. Reliability analysis provided evidence for high internal consistency for the total MSISQ-19 (0. 90) and for the primary (0. 85)، secondary (0. 90) and tertiary (0. 78) subscales. The MSISQ-19 had convergent validity with measure of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The results from Known group’s comparison (discriminant validity) indicated that older women with MS were significantly scored higher than younger women and the questionnaire was able to discrimiate these groups as expected.

In general، the findings suggest that MSISQ-19 is a reliable and valid measure of sexual dysfunction in women with MS.