Menopause Rating Scale: Psychometric properties of Iranian version

Abstract

Background To measure the severity of menopausal complaints and determine the pattern of menopause symptoms, a valid and reliable instrument is needed in health care settings for women. Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) is one of the best known instruments that were invented in response to the lack of standardized scales. This study examines it’s psychometric properties in Iran. Methods Participants were randomly selected from women referring to healthcare centers in Miandoab, West Azerbaijan, Iran. A total of 330 questionnaires were completed (response rate 96.9). Two sample sizes were considered for analysis in validation process. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted on the first sample (n1 = 165) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was done by using a second study sample (n2 = 165). The internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability was calculated to complete psychometric properties process. Results EFA with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) extracted three factors explaining 75.47% cumulative variance. CFA confirmed the three-factor structure of the MRS with 11-items. All fit indices proved to be good. The relative chi-square (χ2/df) was equal to 3.686 (p < .001). The RMSEA of the model was .04 (90% CI = .105–.150). All comparative indices of the model, including Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI); and Relative Fit Index (RFI) were more than .80 (.90, .87, and .80, respectively). Cronbach’s alpha for the overall scale was .931 whereas the alpha for the subscales ranged from 0.705–0.950. Intra class correlation was .91 (95% CI = .89-.93), p < 0.001. Conclusion This study indicates that the Persian-MRS is a valid and reliable scale. This instrument as a screening tool could be used to identify the pattern of symptoms among menopausal, peri-menopausal, and post- menopausal women in need to care and educate them on how to deal with the symptoms.