Validation of the Japanese Version of the Menopause Rating Scale

To assess the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS).

The English-language version of the MRS was translated into Japanese using recommended methodology. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted among 1,600 Japanese women aged 45-60 years. Participants completed the Japanese MRS, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and modified Kupperman Index. Psychometric properties included internal consistency, test-retest reliability, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), criterion-related validity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

The Japanese MRS exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.884) and excellent test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.834). According to the EFA, three factors, similar to those of the original MRS, were identified for the Japanese version, accounting for 66.8% of the total variance. CFA supported the original three-factor structure of the MRS, demonstrating acceptable model fit (comparative fit index = 0.930, root mean square error of approximation = 0.081). Regarding criterion-related validity, the MRS Psychological subscale showed a strong negative correlation with the SF-36 Mental Component Summary (r = -0.604) and a weak negative correlation with the Physical Component Summary (r = -0.256), indicating robust convergent and discriminant validity. Furthermore, the ROC analysis revealed high diagnostic accuracy of MRS for detecting severe menopausal symptoms (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.894).

The Japanese version of the MRS is highly reliable, valid, and can be used to evaluate menopausal symptoms and quality of life in women in menopause.