• The Sexual Interest, Activity and Satisfaction (SIAS) & Sexual Activity and Satisfaction (SAS) Scales are Both tools investigate the sexual activity and satisfaction of individuals with SCI.
  • SIAS covers 3 domains: 1) sexual desire, 2) sexual activity, and 3) sexual satisfaction.
  • SAS covers 2 domains: 1) sexual activity and 2) sexual satisfaction.

Clinical Considerations

  • Detailed explanation of the purpose of the scale modification is not provided in the literature.
  • This tool is one of the better-researched measures within the area of sexual interest and satisfaction: There is strong psychometric support for the scales. However, the items may contain content that is culturally sensitive.
  • Both of these tools may be clinically useful to assist in understanding, describing and quantifying the sexual activity and satisfaction of individuals with SCI (both tetra and paraplegia).
  • Ultimately, these tools may also be effective in evaluating the effectiveness of sex specific interventions.

ICF Domain

Body Function ▶ Functions of the Reproductive System

Administration

Both scales are self-report but may be administered in interview format if required.

Number of Items

  • SIAS – 6 items
  • SAS – 3 items

Equipment

None

Scoring

  • Item are scored from 1-3 to 1-8.
  • Higher scores indicate greater sexual activity and satisfaction.
  • Total score is the sum of all item scores.
  • SIAS total ranges 6-28, while SAS total ranges 3-16.

Languages

English

Training Required

No additional training required.

Availability

# of studies reporting psychometric properties: 3

Interpretability

MCID: not established in SCI
SEM: not established in SCI
MDC: not established in SCI

  • Higher scores indicate greater sexual activity and satisfaction.
  • No normative data for the SCI population has been reported at this time.
  • Published data for the SCI population is available for comparison (see Interpretability section of the Research Summary sheet).

Reliability

Internal consistency is moderate for the SAS scale (Cronbach’s a = 0.87) as well as for the SIAS scale (Cronbach’s a = 0.86).

(Kreuter et al. 1994a; Kreuter et al. 1996)

Validity

Correlation of the SIAS and SAS is significant and:

  • High with the Sexual Behaviour Scale (SBS):
    (Pearson’s r = 0.82-85).
  • Moderate with the Emotional Quality of the Relationship (EQR) Scale:
    (Pearson’s r = 0.55-0.57).
  • Moderate with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS):
    (SAS Pearson’s r = 0.49).
  • Moderate with Quality o Life (VAS):
    (SAS Pearson’s r = 0.39).

(Kreuter et al. 1994a; Kreuter et al. 1996)

Responsiveness

No values were reported for the responsiveness of the SIAS or SAS for the SCI population.

Floor/Ceiling Effect

No values were reported for the presence of floor/ceiling effects in the SIAS or SAS for the SCI population.

Reviewer

Dr. Carlos Cano-Herrera, Tyra Chu

Date Last Updated

31 December 2024

Kreuter M, Sullivan M, Siosteen A. Sexual adjustment and quality of relationships in spinal paraplegia: A controlled study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1996;77:541-548.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8831469

Kreuter M, Sullivan M, Siosteen A. Sexual adjustment after spinal cord injury (SCI) focusing on partner experiences. Paraplegia 1994; 32:225-235.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8022632

Kreuter M, Sullivan M, Siosteen A. Sexual adjustment after spinal cord injury (SCI) -comparison of partner experiences in pre- and postinjury relationships. Paraplegia 1994;32:759-770.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7885719

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