The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSISQ-15): validation of the Italian version for individuals with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN

Psychometric study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to translate and culturally adapt the MSISQ-15 into Italian and to administer it to individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI).

SETTING

Rome's Wheelchair Rugby Team and three spinal units in Italy.

METHODS

Translation and validation of the MSISQ-15 were performed based on international guidelines. The questionnaire, which was in a paper and online format, was administered with the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12) and the Spinal Cord Independence Measure Self-Report.

RESULTS

Sixty-five participants were recruited. Internal consistency coefficient of MSISQ-15 scale, assessed by Cronbach's alpha, was 0.75. Test-retest reliability interclass correlations was, for example, 0.86. The construct validity was calculated and showed statistically significant results in relation to the mental health status investigated with the SF-12.

CONCLUSIONS

The MSISQ-15 is a valid, reliable, and useful questionnaire for investigating how often the symptoms of an SCI interfere with a person's satisfaction or sexual activity.