Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging questionnaire. Issue 2 (February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Alison J.; Gregorich, Steven E.; Kuppermann, Miriam; Nakagawa, Sanae; Van Den Eeden, Stephen K.; Brown, Jeanette S.; Richter, Holly E.; Walter, Louise C.; Thom, David; Stewart, Anita L.
• Is Part Of: Menopause. Volume 22:Issue 2(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-02
• Subjects: Menopause -- Periodicals; 618.175005
• DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000281
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1072-3714

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <sec> <title>Objective</title> <p>This study aims to develop a self-report questionnaire assessing the impact of vaginal dryness, soreness, itching, irritation, and pain on functioning and well-being in postmenopausal women.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Methods</title> <p>Structured self-report items were developed to address the impact of vaginal symptoms on functioning and well-being based on findings from focus groups with racially/ethnically diverse, symptomatic postmenopausal women. Items were refined after cognitive interview pretesting and field-tested among symptomatic postmenopausal women enrolled in a multiethnic cohort study in California. Exploratory factor analysis (SAS PROC VARCLUS) and confirmatory factor analysis evaluated factor structure and eliminated poorly fitting items. Additional evidence of construct validity was obtained via examination of correlations with other measures of related constructs. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach <italic>α</italic> and correlation coefficients, respectively.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Results</title> <p>For the 745 postmenopausal women who completed the draft questionnaire, the mean (SD) age was 56.2 (8.5) years, and 66% of the respondents were racial/ethnic minorities. The refined questionnaire included four multi-item scales addressing symptom impact on (1) activities of daily living, (2) emotional well-being, (3) sexual functioning, and (4) self-concept and body image. The four-factor model provided good approximate fit (comparative fit index, 0.987; standardized root-mean-square residual, 0.038). Correlations with other measures of symptom bothersomeness, sexual function, depression, and anxiety conformed to hypotheses. Cronbach <italic>α</italic> values ranged from 0.82 to 0.93. Intraclass coefficients ranged from 0.47 to 0.72.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The Day-to-Day Impact of Vaginal Aging questionnaire is a new multidimensional self-report measure designed to facilitate evaluation of the impact of vaginal symptoms on postmenopausal women of diverse backgrounds.</p> </sec> </abstract>