Validation and psychometric analysis of the Spanish version of the menstrual attitude questionnaire

Abstract

Problem

In Spanish, there is no instrument available to assess the symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle.

Background

The evaluation of menstrual attitudes is clinically important, particularly for women who experience discomfort or pain during their menstrual cycle.

Aim

To validate and analyse the psychometric properties of the Menstrual Attitude Questionnaire (MAQ) in a Spanish population.

Methods

Adaptation and translation of the MAQ into Spanish, and cross-validation with data collected between March 2023 and March 2024 from 800 women (age 18–57 years).

Findings

The first factor analysis showed that six items did not load on any factor, so they were excluded from the analysis (Items 9, 17, 18, 24, 28 and 29). Once these items had been eliminated, the exploratory factor analysis showed that four factors could be extracted: performance, positivity, anticipation and subjectivity.

Discussion

Statistical analysis revealed that the proposed Spanish version of the MAQ consists of four factors. This implies a reduction of one factor compared with the original MAQ, resulting from the merging of two sections: ’Menstruation as an annoying event’ and ’Menstruation as a natural event’. Both components of the questionnaire refer to the ’identity’ or meaning that women attribute to their menstruation.

Conclusions

The Spanish version of the MAQ consists of four factors and 29 items, explaining most of the variability in the data. The Spanish version of the MAQ demonstrates good internal consistency and, therefore, represents a valuable tool for healthcare professionals who work daily with women with menstrual symptoms.