Colombian Clinical Validation of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5)

Abstract

Background: Erectile dysfunction represents an important health problem and the instrument most frequently used for the evaluation of its evaluation is the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5).

Aim: Due to lack of adaptation and validation for Spanish-speaking populations, this study aimed to adapt and validate the Colombian version of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5).

Methods: Two independent samples were evaluated. One used to validate the scale and the other to calculate cut-off point of this version, with 2,021 men from the general population and outpatients from a clinic. The age range was 18 to 75 years old (M = 37.80; SD = 14.06). The second sample included 74 men, 64.9% did not meet DSM-5 criteria for erectile dysfunction, and 35.1% meet DSM-5 criteria to ED. Age range was 19 to 73 years old (M = 40.38; SD = 13.22).

Outcomes: All participants answered the Spanish versions of the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and the Massachusetts General Health-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire.

Results: The Colombian version of IIEF-5 showed adequate psychometric properties, confirmed the one-dimension factorization of the scale, and showed adequate evidence of reliability and validity. Significant differences were observed in the IIEF-5 total score between the non-clinical and clinical groups who meet DSM-5 criteria for erectile dysfunction, with a large effect size. Also, the cut-off the Colombian version was set to 16, with an area under the curve of 94.9%.

Clinical implications: The Colombian version of the IIEF-5 is a useful evaluation instrument that provides to determine the presence of erectile dysfunction compatible with DSM-5 criteria.

Strengths & limitations: The inventory reports adequate psychometric properties, a confirmed one-dimensional structure, evidence of reliability and validity, and the first cut-off point for Hispanic populations. A more in-depth evaluation of the diagnosis of ED and thus replication in other Spanish-speaking countries and sexual minorities is recommended.

Conclusion: The Spanish version of the IIEF-5 is a useful evaluation tool for identifying erectile dysfunction, following DSM-5 criteria. Vallejo-Medina P, Saffon JP, Álvarez-Muelas A Colombian Clinical Validation of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Sex Med 2022;10:100461.

Keywords: DSM-5; Erectile dysfunction; IIEF-5; Men; Sexual function; Spanish.