Validation of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and presentation of norms in older women

SummaryThe Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is a validated psychometric tool used to assess sexual function in women. However, past validations have focused on clinical populations and the questionnaire has been mainly used as a diagnostic tool to screen for sexual dysfunction. Even if this questionnaire has seldom been used for population studies, no validation was available in such settings with older francophone women. Therefore, we attempted to validate the FSFI in an older (65 years and over), non-clinical population of francophone women living with their spouses in Quebec. The FSFI showed good reliability and comparable results when compared to past validations. Norms have been suggested for the 65–74 years old and the 75 years and over. Also, the issues concerning the high rate of non-respondents to this questionnaire in population-based studies are discussed. Moreover, recommendations were made regarding the use of questionnaires assessing sexual function in older women.