Accuracy of 30-day recall for components of sexual function and the moderating effects of gender and mood. J Sex Med 2014 Mar;11(3):678-96
Date
06/28/2013Pubmed ID
23802907Pubmed Central ID
PMC3818437DOI
10.1111/jsm.12225Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84895478800 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 17 CitationsAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Despite the ubiquity of 1-month recall periods for measures of sexual function, there is limited evidence for how well recalled responses correspond to individuals' actual daily experiences.
AIM: To characterize the correspondence between daily sexual experiences and 1-month recall of those experiences.
METHODS: Following a baseline assessment of sexual functioning, health, and demographic characteristics, 202 adults from the general population (101 women, 101 men) were recruited to complete daily assessments of their sexual function online for 30 days and a single recall measure of sexual function at day 30.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At the baseline and 30-day follow-ups, participants answered items asking about sexual satisfaction, sexual activities, interest, interfering factors, orgasm, sexual functioning, and use of therapeutic aids during the previous 30 days. Participants also completed a measure of positive and negative affect at follow-up. The main outcome measures were agreement between the daily and 1-month recall versions of the sexual function items.
RESULTS: Accuracy of recall varied depending on the item and on the gender and mood of the respondent. Recall was better (low bias and higher correlations) for sexual activities, vaginal discomfort, erectile function, and more frequently used therapeutic aids. Recall was poorer for interest, affectionate behaviors (e.g., kissing), and orgasm-related items. Men more than women overestimated frequency of interest and masturbation. Concurrent mood was related to over- or underreporting for six items addressing the frequency of masturbation and vaginal intercourse, erectile function, and orgasm.
CONCLUSIONS: A 1-month recall period seems acceptable for many aspects of sexual function in this population, but recall for some items was poor. Researchers should be aware that concurrent mood can have a powerful biasing effect on reports of sexual function.
Author List
Weinfurt KP, Lin L, Dombeck CB, Broderick JE, Snyder DC, Williams MS, Fawzy MR, Flynn KEAuthor
Kathryn Eve Flynn PhD Vice Chair, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAffect
Female
Humans
Libido
Male
Mental Recall
Middle Aged
Orgasm
Penile Erection
Personal Satisfaction
Sex Characteristics
Sex Factors
Sexual Behavior
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
Young Adult
