Correlation between the modified Kupperman Index and the Menopause Rating Scale in Chinese women

Abstract

BackgroundThe severity of menopausal symptoms can vary according to ethnicity and geography. Two common menopausal symptom scales, the modified Kupperman Index (KI) and the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS), are accepted internationally. In this study, we evaluated the correlation between these scales and their relevance to women in the People’s Republic of China.MethodsWe enrolled treatment-naïve women who visited the menopause outpatient department at a major teaching hospital in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. The women were required to complete two questionnaires, ie, the modified KI and the MRS. We assessed the correlation between the tools using a correlation analysis.ResultsWe enrolled 277 women of average age 51.5 ± 4.8 years. There was a strong positive correlation between total scores on the modified KI and the MRS (0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.69–0.79) and subscores for the somatic and psychological domains (0.74 and 0.77, respectively), with a moderate correlation for urogenital symptoms. According to the modified KI, 15 (5.4%) women were categorized as asymptomatic, and when using the MRS, 33 (11.9%) were categorized as asymptomatic. Women categorized as having none/minimal symptoms by the MRS were diagnosed as having mild to severe symptoms using the modified KI. The highest agreement (74%) was found when symptoms were moderate.ConclusionThe modified KI and the MRS do correlate in Chinese women, but the modified KI is more likely to identify menopausal symptoms than the MRS in screening if there is doubt about the diagnosis of menopause.

Association between Menopausal Symptoms and Overactive Bladder: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Survey in China

“…Previously, evaluation of the association between menopausal symptoms and OAB was difficult owing to the lack of tools to assess these syndromes; however, the mKMI score and OABSS can now be used to assess these syndromes, and in the Chinese population, the mKMI score and OABSS have been used to assess menopausal symptoms and OAB, respectively [ 10 , 12 ].…”

“…The mKMI is more sensitive than the menopause rating scale for the evaluation of menopausal symptoms in Chinese populations [ 12 ], and it considers 13 symptoms divided into the following four grades (0–3 points) according to severity: 0, no symptoms; 1, mild symptoms; 2, moderate symptoms; and 3, severe symptoms. The weighted score for hot flashes or sweating is 4 points; paresthesia, insomnia, mood swings, sexual problems, and urinary infection are scored 2 points each; and other symptoms are scored 1 point each.…”

Poor sleep in middle-aged women is not associated with menopause per se

“…All of the participants completed the Chinese versions of the PSQI ( 15 ), the MRS ( 12 , 17 ), and the modified KI ( 14 ) questionnaires. The PSQI and MRS have been validated in the Chinese language ( 18 , 19 ).…”

“…The original KI consists of questions regarding 11 items, including sweating/hot flashes, palpitation, vertigo, headache, paresthesia, formication, arthralgia, and myalgia (categorized as somatic symptoms), as well as fatigue, nervousness, and melancholia (categorized as psychological symptoms) ( 11 ). The modified KI ( 14 ) consists of 13 items. In addition to the 11 items in the original KI, the modified version adds items regarding urogenital symptoms, such as urinary tract infection and sexual complaints.…”

“…Two of the most commonly used instruments are the Kupperman Index (KI) ( 11 ) and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) ( 12 ). Both of these instruments are self-administered questionnaires designed to measure menopausal symptoms, they are widely accepted, and the correlation between the two instruments is strong ( 13 , 14 ). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a validated self-administered questionnaire that assesses sleep quality and disturbances.…”