Validation of the Indonesian version of the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q): A reliability study

Background: Menstruation is a natural biological process that occurs in women. The menstrual cycle significantly affects women's physical and psychological well-being. Data obtained from surveys indicates that the burden of menstrual distress resulting from dysmenorrhea should not be underestimated. In a survey conducted with 385 Indonesian women, 79.2% reported experiencing a significant burden on their daily activities due to dysmenorrhea. In light of its considerable impact, it is essential to evaluate the level of distress associated with the menstrual cycle within clinical practice. The Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q) is an instrument that has been validated for the comprehensive assessment of menstrual-related distress. Objectives: With no validated instruments currently available in Indonesia for measuring menstrual distress, validating the Indonesian version of the MEDI-Q within the Indonesian-speaking population is essential for its wider adoption and utility. Study design: The questionnaire underwent forward and backward translation. The Indonesian version of MEDI-Q is distributed to women aged 19–49. Participants were recruited using a consecutive sampling method and completed the questionnaire twice, with a two-week interval between each completion. Test-retest reliability is evaluated using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), while internal consistency is determined using Cronbach's alpha. Results: The study included 53 participants, with a mean age of 26.17 ± 4.78. The mean MEDI-Q total scores for the initial and subsequent tests are 8.79 ± 9.11 and 10.64 ± 11.68, respectively. The ICC of the participant's responses is 0.892, while Cronbach's alpha coefficient is 0.972. Conclusion: The Indonesian version of MEDI-Q exhibits good test–retest reliability and internal consistency. The results demonstrate that the Indonesian version of the MEDI-Q can be utilized in clinical and research settings.