Paraskevi-Sofia Kirana

Subjective well‐being as a determinant of individuals’ responses to symptoms: a biopsychosocial perspective

Background:  Although many models have been developed to explain health behaviour, differences in individual response to symptoms remain largely unexplained; moreover, they tend to underestimate affective (i.e., emotional) processes and they neglect the construct of well‐being, despite its predominant role in the definition of health.

Diagnosing Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women: Sexual History Taking and the Role of Symptom Scales and Questionnaires

INTRODUCTION A detailed sexual history is the cornerstone for all sexual problem assessments and sexual dysfunction diagnoses. Diagnostic evaluation is based on an in-depth sexual history, including sexual and gender identity and orientation, sexual activity and function, current level of sexual function, overall health and comorbidities, partner relationship and interpersonal factors, and the role of cultural and personal expectations and attitudes. AIM To propose key steps in the diagnostic evaluation of sexual dysfunctions, with special focus on the use of symptom scales and questionnaires. METHODS Critical assessment of the current literature by the International Consultation on Sexual Medicine committee. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A revised algorithm for the management of sexual dysfunctions, level of evidence, and recommendation for scales and questionnaires. RESULTS The International Consultation on Sexual Medicine proposes an updated algorithm for diagnostic evaluation of sexual dysfunction in men and women, with specific recommendations for sexual history taking and diagnostic evaluation. Standardized scales, checklists, and validated questionnaires are additional adjuncts that should be used routinely in sexual problem evaluation. Scales developed for specific patient groups are included. Results of this evaluation are presented with recommendations for clinical and research uses. CONCLUSION Defined principles, an algorithm and a range of scales may provide coherent and evidence based management for sexual dysfunctions.

Sexual Response Models: Toward a More Flexible Pattern of Women's Sexuality

INTRODUCTION Recent research suggests that none of the current theoretical models can sufficiently describe womens sexual response, because several factors and situations can influence this. AIM To explore individual variations of a sexual model that describes womens sexual responses and to assess the association of endorsement of that model with sexual dysfunctions and reasons to engage in sexual activity. METHODS A sample of 157 randomly selected hospital employees completed self-administered questionnaires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Two models were developed: one merged the Master and Johnson model with the Kaplan model (linear) and the other was the Basson model (circular). Sexual function was evaluated by the Female Sexual Function Index and the Brief Sexual Symptom Checklist for Women. The Reasons for Having Sex Questionnaire was administered to investigate the reasons for which women have sex. RESULTS Women reported that their current sexual experiences were at times consistent with the linear and circular models (66.9%), only the linear model (27%), only the circular model (5.4%), and neither model (0.7%). When the groups were reconfigured to the group that endorsed more than 5 of 10 sexual experiences, 64.3% of women endorsed the linear model, 20.4% chose the linear and circular models, 14.6% chose the circular model, and 0.7% selected neither. The Female Sexual Function Index, demographic factors, having sex for insecurity reasons, and sexual satisfaction correlated with the endorsement of a sexual response model. When these factors were entered in a stepwise logistic regression analysis, only the Female Sexual Function Index and having sex for insecurity reasons maintained a significant association with the sexual response model. CONCLUSION The present study emphasizes the heterogeneity of female sexuality, with most of the sample reporting alternating between the linear and circular models. Sexual dysfunctions and having sex for insecurity reasons were associated with the Basson model.