Validation and Reliability of the Turkish Premenstrual Coping Measure

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the Turkish validity and reliability of the premenstrual coping measure (PCM) among university students. Methods: The universe of this methodological study consisted of 364 university students who were found to meet the inclusion criteria in a university in the spring semester of the 2016-2017 academic year. In the study, stratified sampling method was used and stratified weights were determined according to the education field (health, social and natural sciences). Data were collected by using the Inclusion Criteria Questionnaire, Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool, Personal Information Form, and PCM. In the study, scale validity was determined by language, content and construct validity methods; scale reliability was evaluated by Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient calculation and test- retest method. Results: In the study, the content validity index of the PCM was determined as 0.997. As a result of confirmatory factor analysis, 5 items were removed from the scale. The fit index values obtained for the 27-item measurement model was found to be acceptable. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients of the scale sub-dimensions were found to be highly reliable. The correlation between the re-test and the first test was calculated for the sub-dimensions of the PCM, and it was found that the correlation coefficients and the scale did not show a time-dependent change. Conclusion: In the study, it is concluded that PCM is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to evaluate the premenstrual symptoms coping status of university students with premenstrual symptoms.