LINGUISTIC VALIDATION OF JAPANESE VERSION OF THE VULVOVAGINAL SYMPTOMS QUESTIONNAIRE (VSQ)

Abstract

(Purpose) To translate the Vulvovaginal Symptoms Questionnaire (VSQ) into Japanese and evaluate the linguistic validation of the translated VSQ. (Methods) The translation and evaluation of the VSQ were performed through 3 steps: forward translation based on 2 urologists and discussed by another 3 urologists; the community review process, which consisted of one-on-one cognitive interviews with 20 patients by professional interviewers; backward translation by a native English speaker, which was discussed with the original author of the VSQ. (Results) The original author of the VSQ generally approved our translation. (Conclusion) The Japanese version of the VSQ was translated in a linguistically valid manner. It is equivalent to the original English questionnaire. It may provide a tool to assess sexual function for Japanese women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause.