Menstrual health is an important component of women's physical, mental, and social well-being. Adequate knowledge of the menstrual cycle is essential for distinguishing between normal and abnormal menstrual patterns, facilitating the early recognition of potential health problems, and promoting appropriate health behaviors. This is particularly important for female athletes, given the high prevalence of menstrual disturbances and the potential influence of the menstrual cycle on physical symptoms, mood, and athletic performance. However, validated and standardized tools for assessing menstrual cycle knowledge are limited in the Turkish literature. The Menstrual Cycle Knowledge Questionnaire (MCKQ) is a 12-item instrument specifically developed to assess knowledge of the menstrual cycle. This study aims to culturally adapt the MCKQ into Turkish and evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version among both sedentary and physically active women, thereby providing a standardized assessment tool for use in the Turkish population.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
121
Participants will complete a sociodemographic and menstrual characteristics assessment form, the Turkish version of the 12-item Menstrual Cycle Knowledge Questionnaire (MCKQ), and the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ). In addition, female athletes will complete the Health Literacy in Sports Scale. The MCKQ will be administered again after two weeks to assess test-retest reliability. The collected data will be used to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the MCKQ and its relationships with menstrual symptoms and health literacy.
The severity of menstrual symptoms will be assessed using the Turkish version of the Menstrual Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ). The Turkish version consists of 22 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale and includes three subscales: Negative Effects/Somatic Complaints, Pain Symptoms, and Coping Methods. Each item is scored from 1 (never) to 5 (always). Higher scores indicate greater menstrual symptom severity.
Health literacy will be assessed among female athletes using the Health Literacy in Sports Scale. The scale consists of 18 items and three subscales: Healthy Lifestyle Behavior and Nutrition, First Aid Knowledge and Skills in Sports, and Healthy Environment in Sports. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), with no reverse-scored items. The total score ranges from 18 to 90, with higher scores indicating higher levels of health literacy. Scores of 18-36, 37-71, and 72-90 indicate low, moderate, and high health literacy, respectively.
Biruni University
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Biruni University
Zeytinburnu, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Menstrual Cycle Knowledge Questionnaire
In the questionnaire scoring, each correct answer is awarded 1 point, whereas incorrect answers or "I don't know" responses are scored as 0 points. Higher total scores indicate a higher level of knowledge.
Time frame: Baseline
Menstruel Cycle Knowledge Questionnaire
In the questionnaire scoring, each correct answer is awarded 1 point, whereas incorrect answers or "I don't know" responses are scored as 0 points. Higher total scores indicate a higher level of knowledge.
Time frame: 15 days
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