Czech version of Menopause Rating Scale Questionnaire — Preliminary notice

Abstract

ObjectivesGiven the general ageing of our population, the number of women suffering from the symptoms of oestrogen deficiency in postmenopause, which may affect their health-related quality of life, is increasing. Therefore, health professionals need reliable tools to be able to find out how the strengths and difficulties that affect the health-related quality of life of particular women are perceived. The aim was to create a Czech version of the Menopause Rating Scale, to assess the psychometric characteristics and validate the questionnaire in clinical practice. MethodsUsing a repeated and back translation of the Czech version of the questionnaire used worldwide, a sample of 204 women after natural menopause between the ages of 49 and 63 years was tested. Based on the results obtained, verbal protocols, questionnaire feedback, re-filling methods, and evaluation by client and health care professionals, a standardized Czech version was created. ResultsClinical practice was given the use of a Czech version of the Menopause Rating Scale, which allows evaluation of the quality of life related to health in women during postmenopause. It is a short screening questionnaire, which has 11 items. ConclusionThe Czech version of the Menopause Rating Scale is a standardized tool for assessing the quality of life in clinical settings. Although the psychometric structure is difficult, from a practical point of view the questionnaire will help identify three domains: somatic-vegetative, urogenital, and psychological. The questionnaire is also useful for evaluating the intensity of the symptoms of oestrogen deficiency and the possible effect of the applied therapy for women in postmenopause.