Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Vulvovaginal Symptoms Questionnaire

Association between contextual factors and vulvovaginal symptoms in Brazilian women: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health widens the understanding of the individual by considering contextual factors for health. Regarding the health of women, vulvovaginal symptoms (e.g., itching, burning, pain, irritation, dryness, and vaginal odor) need consideration.

OBJECTIVE

To verify the prevalence of vulvovaginal symptoms, their association with contextual factors, and evaluate their impact on the emotional well-being, quality of life, and sexual function of Brazilian women.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to August 2022 using Brazilian women aged 18 or older. Health and sociodemographic data were collected, and the women were divided into two groups according to the Vulvovaginal Symptoms Questionnaire: with and without vulvovaginal symptoms. The association between contextual factors and vulvovaginal symptoms was verified using logistic regression.

RESULTS

The study included 313 women (34 ± 11.5 years), physically active (71%), non-smokers (9%), and employed (72%). Of those, 227 (72.5%) presented vulvovaginal symptoms. Low educational level and no pregnancy were associated with vulvovaginal symptoms. The most prevalent symptoms were vaginal discharge (63.4%) and itching (54.6%).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that vulvovaginal symptoms are prevalent in Brazilian women. Thus, developing effective care and disseminating knowledge about vulvovaginal symptoms, causes, and treatment, are important to improve health care in Brazilian women.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Measurement Properties Analysis of the Brazilian Portuguese Version of the ICIQ-VS

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The high prevalence of pelvic floor disorders in women requires assessments using validated instruments. We aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt to Brazilian Portuguese, and analyze the measurement properties of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Vaginal Symptoms Module (ICIQ-VS-Br).

METHODS

Participants were Brazilian women older than 18 years presenting vulvovaginal symptoms according to the Vulvovaginal Symptoms Questionnaire (VSQ-Br). The development of the ICIQ-VS-Br included the steps of translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert meeting, and pre-test. We analyzed construct validity by correlating the ICIQ-VS-Br and VSQ-Br. The participants answered the ICIQ-VS-Br the second time 7 to 10 days after the first response. We measured test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha, and construct validity using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The study included 313 women. Reproducibility was analyzed for the three subscales of the ICIQ-VS-Br, resulting in an ICC of 0.92 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.94) for "vaginal symptoms," 0.85 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.89) for "sexual matters," and 0.87 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.91) for "quality of life." Construct validity showed a moderate correlation between ICIQ-VS-Br and VSQ-Br, confirming our hypotheses.

CONCLUSIONS

The ICIQ-VS-Br demonstrated validity and reproducibility, indicating that the instrument can be used in scientific research and clinical practice.