The reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (J-DRSP) and Development of a Short-Form version (J-DRSP (SF)) to assess symptoms of premenstrual syndrome among Japanese women

Abstract

Purpose

To assess the validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (J-DRSP, 24 items) for evaluating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and to develop a short form version of the J-DRSP.

Methods

Using the “DRSP-JAPAN” smartphone app, we collected daily J-DRSP records from cycle day − 6 (CD − 6) to CD 10, with CD 1 representing the menstruation onset date. Factorial validity (exploratory factor analysis: EFA, confirmatory factor analysis: CFA) and criterion validity were examined, and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation: ICC) evaluated. The short-form version of the J-DRSP was developed using classical test theory.

Results

In total, 304 women participated and 243 recorded symptoms on at least 4 days spanning the week of the luteal phase (CD − 6 to CD 0) and 4 days spanning the week of the follicular phase (CD 4 to CD 10), with CD 0 set as the day before menstruation started. The EFA revealed a two-factor structure. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin was 0.992, and Bartlett’s test of sphericity chi-square was 3653.89 (P < 0.001). However, the model fitness of CFA was found to be suboptimal (comparative fit index (CFI): 0.83, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA): 0.12). Total scores for J-DRSP and the sum scores for each subscale were higher on CD 0 than on CD 10 (p < 0.001), suggesting validity for some criteria. ICC values for the total J-DRSP score from CD 0 to CD − 1, and between CD 9 to CD 10, were 0.60 (95% CI: 0.48–0.72) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.69–0.82), respectively. Having eliminated some original items after considering factor loading for each item, we developed an 8-item Short-Form J-DRSP (J-DRSP (SF)) comprising 2 factors (S-Psychological and S-Physical, 4 items for each). CFA showed a better model fit (CFI: 0.99, RMSEA: 0.048), and ICC values in the luteal and follicular phases were 0.61 (95%CI: 0.51–0.68) and 0.70 (95%CI: 0.62–0.77), respectively.

Conclusion

The J-DRSP has moderate to good reliability and a certain level of validity. The 8-item J-DRSP (SF) has a two-factor structure and can be used effectively among Japanese women to assess their PMS symptoms.