Open AccessDevelopment and Testing of the Dysmenorrhea Symptom Interference (DSI) Scale
Author(s) -
Chen X. Chen,
Tabitha Murphy,
Susan Ofner,
Lilian Yahng,
Peter Krombach,
Michelle LaPradd,
Giorgos Bakoyannis,
Janet S. Carpenter
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
western journal of nursing research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.552
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1552-8456
pISSN - 0193-9459
DOI - 10.1177/0193945920942252
Subject(s) - cronbach's alpha , scale (ratio) , construct validity , clinical psychology , reliability (semiconductor) , psychological intervention , content validity , concurrent validity , confirmatory factor analysis , psychology , psychometrics , physical therapy , medicine , internal consistency , psychiatry , statistics , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , mathematics , structural equation modeling
Dysmenorrhea affects most reproductive-age women and increases the risk of future pain. To evaluate dysmenorrhea interventions, validated outcome measures are needed. In this two-phase study, we developed and tested the dysmenorrhea symptom interference scale. During the scale-development phase ( n = 30), we created a nine-item scale based on qualitative data from cognitive interviews. During the scale-testing phase ( n = 686), we evaluated reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change. The scale measures how dysmenorrhea symptoms interfere with physical, mental, and social activities. Internal consistency was strong with Cronbach's α > 0.9. Test-retest reliability was acceptable ( r = 0.8). The scale showed satisfactory content validity, construct validity (supported by confirmatory factor analysis), concurrent validity, and responsiveness to change. The minimally important difference was 0.3 points on a scale with a possible total score ranging from 1 to 5. This new psychometrically sound scale can be used in research and clinical practice to facilitate the measurement and management of dysmenorrhea.