• 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. Janice Eng, Marzena Zhou

Date Last Updated

24 July 2020

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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