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Development and validation of the Polish version of the Female Sexual Function Index in the Polish population of females.

INTRODUCTION Unlike male sexual function, which is relatively easy to assess, female sexual function is still a diagnostic challenge. Although numerous new measurements for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) have recently been developed, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) remains the gold standard for screening. It has been validated in more than 30 countries. The FSFI has been used in several studies conducted in Poland, but it has never been standardized for Polish women. AIM The aim of this study was to develop a Polish version of the FSFI (PL-FSFI). MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 189 women aged 18-55 years were included in the study. Eighty-five were diagnosed with FSD as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM IV-TR) criteria; 104 women did not have FSD. All subjects completed the PL-FSFI at baseline (day 0), day 7, and day 28. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Test-retest reliability was determined by Pearsons product-moment correlations. Reliability was tested using Cronbachs α coefficient. Construct validity was evaluated by principal component analysis using varimax rotation and factor analysis. Discriminant validity was assessed with between-groups analysis of variance. RESULTS All domains of the PL-FSFI demonstrated satisfactory internal consistencies, with Cronbachs α value of >0.70 for the entire sample. The test-retest reliability demonstrated good-to-excellent agreement between the assessment points. Based on principal component analysis, a 5-factor model was established that explained 83.62% of the total variance. Domain intercorrelations of the PL-FSFI ranged from 0.37-0.77. The optimal PL-FSFI cutoff score was 27.50, with 87.1% sensitivity and 83.1% specificity. CONCLUSION The PL-FSFI is a reliable questionnaire with good psychometric and discriminative validity. Therefore, it can be used as a tool for preliminary screening for FSD among Polish women.

Sexual Dysfunction and Distress—Development of a Polish Version of the Female Sexual Distress Scale‐Revised

INTRODUCTION The concept of sexually related personal distress, central to the diagnosis of all female sexual dysfunction (FSD), is currently a subject of scientific debate. Several psychometric instruments have been used to measure sexually related personal distress in women, including the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and its revised version (FSDS-R). AIM To develop a Polish version of the FSDS-R (PL-FSDS-R). METHODS In total, 210 women aged 18-55 years were included in the study. Seventy-five were diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), 31 were diagnosed with another FSD, and 104 were control. All subjects completed the PL-FSDS-R at baseline (day 0), day 7, and day 28. Internal consistencies were evaluated by Cronbachs α. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess test-retest reliability. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing mean scores of the FSD and control groups in a between-groups analysis of variance. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine optimal cutoff values of the PL-FSDS-R. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES To measure the validity and reliability of the PL-FSDS-R and to determine optimal cutoff values. RESULTS Mean total PL-FSDS-R score was statistically higher in women with HSDD and other FSD compared to healthy individuals, showing the test had discriminant validity. The frequency of sexual intercourse and quality of relationship with sexual partner but not other sexual behaviors were statistically correlated with the PL-FSDS-R score. ROC analysis confirmed these findings. All domains of the PL-FSDS-R demonstrated satisfactory internal consistencies, with a Cronbachs α-value of >0.70 for the entire sample. Test-retest coefficients were between 0.86-0.92, with the best reliability for a 7-day recall period. CONCLUSIONS The PL-FSDS-R is a reliable questionnaire with good psychometric and discriminative validity, and can be used to measure sexually related personal distress in Polish women with FSD with a cutoff score of ≥13.

Physical efficiency and activity energy expenditure in term pregnancy females measured during cardiopulmonary exercise tests with a supine cycle ergometer

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate physical efficiency and activity energy expenditure (AEE) in term pregnancy females during cardiopulmonary exercise tests with a supine cycle ergometer. Material and methods: The study comprised 22 healthy full-term pregnancy women with uncomplicated pregnancies hospitalized in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Specialist Teaching Hospital in Tychy, Poland. All subjects underwent cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) on a supine cycle ergometer. The 12-min, three-stage, progressive, symptom-limited submaximal test protocol (up to 80% HRmax) was used. Pulsometry was used to record HR on a beat-to-beat analysis and to calculate AEE. Respiratory responses were measured by ergospirometer and a computer system on a breath-by-breath basis at rest, during exercise and at restitution. Results: In the studied population, VO2max was established at the level of 2.19 ± 0.33 L/min in ergospirometry and 2.04 ± 025 L/min in pulsometry. Physical efficiency calculated for sub-maximal exercise by use of the Davis equation was 30.52 ± 0.12%. AEE, based on VO2 in various phases of the CPET, was 0.47, 0.71 and 0.88 L/min for phases 25, 50 and 75 W. Based on ergospirometer readouts, AEE was 10.60, 16.11 and 20.94 kJ/min for phases 25, 50 and 75 W. Overall mean AEE (determined by pulsometry) was 10.59  kJ/min. CPET testing did not have any negative effect upon the health or life of the neonates involved in the study. Conclusions: Submaximal CPET up to 80% HRmax with a supine cycle ergometer is a safe and precise method for assessing work efficiency in term pregnancy women.

Paternal engagement during childbirth depending on the manner of their preparation

OBJECTIVES The analysis of the forms of paternal activity depending on the manner of their preparation, including stages of labor. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective survey-based study involved 250 fathers who participated in their childs birth. The fathers included in the study were present during all stages of family-assisted natural labor. The study was conducted one day after childbirth with the use of a survey prepared by the authors. Statistical calculations were conducted using the Statistica PL software. The frequency of individual qualitative features (non-measurable) was assessed by means of a non-parametric χ² (chi-squared) test. The statistical significance level was p < 0.05. RESULTS A half of the fathers included in the study (52.4%) participated in childbirth with no prior preparation. The dominant form of preparation involved self-education from books, magazines and the Internet (24%). 23.6% of fathers participated in ante-natal classes. The study demonstrated that fathers prepared for childbirth in ante-natal classes more often engaged in the supportive role, provided nursing care and carried out instrumental monitoring during each stage of childbirth. CONCLUSIONS The fathers prepared for childbirth in ante-natal classes more often engage in the supportive role, provide nursing care and carry out instrumental control during each stage of childbirth. Ante-natal classes should be promoted as an optimal form of preparation for active participation in childbirth. Moreover, other forms of paternal ante-natal education as well as continued education in a delivery room should be developed.