Menopause Rating Scale: Validation and Applicability in Nepalese Women

Abstract

Abstract Background: Menopausal Rating Scale is one of the globally used tools to assess quality of life in menopause and peri-menopause. The aim of this study is to validate the standard menopausal rating scale in Nepalese menopausal women and to test menopausal symptoms during clinical consultation at hospital. Methods: Cross sectional validation study at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Thapathali, Kathmandu. Five-step language translation of menopausal rating scale from English to Nepali, questionnaire clarity assessment with gynecologists and Likert scale questionnaire based interview to the clients. Reliability and validity tests applied. Each component of rating scale analyzed. Results: Nepali version of menopausal rating scale developed. Acceptable level (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.77) of tools reliability obtained. Barlett’s test of sphericity was highly significant and Pearson correlation between variables was significant. Average age of menarche was 15 years, and mean and modal value of menopause was 48 and 50 years respectively. First menopausal symptom was vasomotor flush in 62%, one-forth didn’t experience flush, half experienced mild to moderate flush and rest one-fourth had severe to very severe form; 50% had significant sleep, bladder and sexual dysfunction. Three-fourth had vaginal dryness and musculoskeletal problem. One-half had some degree of mental dysfunction. Conclusions: Nepali version of menopausal rating scale developed. Baseline menopausal parameters obtained. Keywords: Applicability; menopause; rating scale; validation.