Constructing and Validating Spouses' Sexual Health Questionnaire Based on the Islamic Sexual Health Model

"Sexual health" is a crucial aspect of family, individual, and social well-being. Therefore, this study aims to develop and standardize a questionnaire on sexual health for married couples, based on the Islamic sexual health model.

The method of the current research is descriptive. The statistical population includes all Iranian married individuals. Through virtual networks, 581 participants completed the sexual health questionnaire for spouses and the sexual satisfaction questionnaire by Larson (1998) using the available method. To develop the questionnaire, items were initially designed based on the components of the sexual health of spouses as compiled by Baniyani (2019). Subsequently, its content validity was assessed and confirmed by 15 expert reviewers. Finally, confirmatory factor analysis and concurrent validity were employed to validate the questionnaire. Additionally, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to assess reliability.

The confirmatory factor analysis of the research was conducted in two stages. The results, after removing inappropriate questions, indicated the optimal fit of the questionnaire. Subsequently, the correlation of the sexual health components of the spouses was analyzed with each other and with the overall structure. The total correlation scores of sexual health with the components were as follows: physical health 0.31, vision health 0.68, emotional health 0.86, and behavioral health 0.92, showing a positive and significant correlation. Furthermore, for the concurrent validity of the questionnaire, its relationship with Larson's sexual satisfaction questionnaire was found to be 0.85, also indicating a positive and significant result. The reliability of the questionnaire, assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the entire questionnaire, was 0.88. The validity levels were 0.57, 0.64, 0.77 for emotional health, and 0.80 for the physical health component. These results suggest that the validity of the scale, based on internal consistency, is favorable.

The findings demonstrate the construct validity and acceptable reliability of the spouses' sexual health questionnaire. With its prescriptive content and criteria-based approach, this tool can be valuable for researchers and couple therapists seeking a deeper understanding.