Development and Testing of the Dysmenorrhea Symptom Interference (DSI) Scale

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea affects most reproductive-age women and increases the risk of future pain. To evaluate dysmenorrhea interventions, validated outcome measures are needed. In this two-phase study, we developed and tested the dysmenorrhea symptom interference scale. During the scale-development phase ( n = 30), we created a nine-item scale based on qualitative data from cognitive interviews. During the scale-testing phase ( n = 686), we evaluated reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change. The scale measures how dysmenorrhea symptoms interfere with physical, mental, and social activities. Internal consistency was strong with Cronbach’s α > 0.9. Test–retest reliability was acceptable ( r = 0.8). The scale showed satisfactory content validity, construct validity (supported by confirmatory factor analysis), concurrent validity, and responsiveness to change. The minimally important difference was 0.3 points on a scale with a possible total score ranging from 1 to 5. This new psychometrically sound scale can be used in research and clinical practice to facilitate the measurement and management of dysmenorrhea.

Quality of patient-reported outcome measures for primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review

“…The DSI measuring the impact of PDys on various outcomes is available as version on-menses with a 24-h recall period, and as version off-menses referring to the last menstrual period [19]. We found sufficient content validity and sufficient internal consistency of both versions, indicating that the instrument can be potentially recommended for use.…”

“…For data extraction, we included seven studies reporting on four different PROMs. Two studies reported on the Dysmenorrhea Daily Diary (DysDD) [15,16], and one study, respectively, reported on the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale (ESCAS) [17], the Adolescent Dysmenorrhic Self-Care Scale (ADSCS) [18], and on the Dysmenorrhea Symptom Interference Scale (DSI) [19]. The studies on the ESCAS and the ADSCS referred to the respective development study [20,21], which we searched and considered for evaluation of the content validity of these instruments.…”

“…Likewise, the content validity study of the ADSCS [18] was rated 'doubtful' because details of the methodological approach were not described. The development study of the DSI [19] population was not involved in the design of the instrument. Due to methodological shortcomings when asking patients about relevance, the content validity study of the DSI [19] was rated 'doubtful.'…”

“…The development study of the DSI [19] population was not involved in the design of the instrument. Due to methodological shortcomings when asking patients about relevance, the content validity study of the DSI [19] was rated 'doubtful.' The development study of the DysDD [15] received a 'doubtful' rating since the qualification of the interviewers was not described.…”

Dysmenorrhea catastrophizing and functional impairment in female pelvic pain

“…However, measurement validation studies are needed to further assess the content validity, reliability, and responsiveness of dysmenorrhea catastrophizing across both clinical and healthy samples. Future studies should also consider using the Dysmenorrhea Symptom Interference (DSI) Scale developed by Chen et al (54) to better capture the comprehensive impact of dysmenorrhea on women's daily life.…”