Assessment of Sexual Dysfunction Symptoms in Female Drug Users: Standardized vs. Unstandardized Methods

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether there is a difference in the identified prevalence between the assessment of symptoms of sexual dysfunction in female drug users using a standardized scale and by means of a nonstandardized set of questions about sexual dysfunctions. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with two groups of substance-dependent women using the Drug Abuse Screening Test, the Short Alcohol Dependence Data questionnaire, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence for the evaluation of the severity of dependence, and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale. Findings: In both groups, the severity of dependence and the prevalence of symptoms of sexual dysfunctions in women were similar. Conclusion: The use of standardized and nonstandardized instruments to assess sexual dysfunction symptoms is an essential resource for the provision of good-quality care to this clientele.