Development of a gynecologic examination satisfaction scale: A scale development study

The aim of this study was to develop a reliable and valid gynecologic examination satisfaction scale (GESS) to assess women's satisfaction with gynecologic examinations and to provide a standardized tool for clinical use.

This methodological study began with a comprehensive review of national and international literature to establish the theoretical framework. Based on the findings, an initial pool of 53 items addressing emotional, physical, environmental, hygiene-related and procedural aspects of satisfaction was created. Content validity was evaluated by an expert panel specializing in women's health. After revisions, the draft scale was administered to 530 women attending outpatient gynecology clinics. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed using SPSS 21 and AMOS to assess construct validity. Reliability was examined through Cronbach's alpha coefficients and item-total correlations.

Analyses revealed a six-factor structure with acceptable model fit indices. The final 36-item scale consisted of the following subscales: health personnel, examination environment, emotional responses, menstrual period-related concerns, hygiene, and privacy. All subscales demonstrated strong internal consistency and satisfactory psychometric properties.

The GESS is the first instrument developed to measure women's satisfaction with gynecologic examinations. The scale proved to be valid, reliable and suitable for clinical and research settings. Its use may contribute to identifying areas for improvement and enhancing the quality of gynecologic care.