Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the French Version of the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q)

OBJECTIVE:To validate the French version of the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q) for use in French-speaking populations. METHODS:The study involved translation and cultural adaptation of the MEDI-Q from English to French, followed by a cross-sectional validation study. A sample of 266 French-speaking women aged 18-50 completed the French MEDI-Q, Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and Shortened Premenstrual Assessment Form (SPAF). Psychometric properties were assessed, including internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity. RESULTS:The French MEDI-Q demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.84, McDonald's ω = 0.86) and excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.94). Convergent validity was confirmed through significant correlations with age, psychological distress, and premenstrual symptoms. The French-speaking sample showed higher average MEDI-Q scores compared to previous Italian and English validations, particularly in items related to menstrual bleeding distress and feelings of being dirty. CONCLUSION:The French version of MEDI-Q exhibits robust psychometric properties, supporting its use in French-speaking populations. The observed differences in scores highlight potential cultural variations in menstrual experiences, warranting further investigation into cross-cultural perceptions of menstruation.