Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the French Version of the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q) - 23/04/26

Doi : 10.1016/j.jogoh.2026.103195

Emanuele Cassioli ^1,^⁎ , Federico Cassioli ^2,³, Nellia Bellaert ⁴, Eleonora Rossi ⁵, Luca Zompa ¹, Kendra G. Kandana Arachchige ⁴, Arianna Ida Altomare ¹, Silvia Vannuccini ⁶, Felice Petraglia ⁶, Valdo Ricca ¹, Giovanni Castellini ¹

¹ Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50100, Florence, Italy

² Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

³ Department of Clinical Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

⁴ Department of Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology, University of Mons, Place Du Parc, 18, 7000, Mons, Belgium

⁵ Psychiatry Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy

⁶ Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50100, Florence, Italy

^⁎ Corresponding Author: Emanuele Cassioli, Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50100, Florence, Italy. Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences University of Florence Largo Brambilla 3 Florence 50100 Italy

Sous presse. Manuscrit accepté. Disponible en ligne depuis le Thursday 23 April 2026

Abstract

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.

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Keywords : Menstrual distress questionnaire, MEDI-Q, psychometrics, cultural adaptation, psychopathology, menstruation