To cross – culturally adapt and psychometrically evaluate the PGQ in Greek.
Appropriate steps were followed for the cross-cultural adaptation and creation of the Greek version of the PGQ (PGQ-GR). To test its validity and reliability, a sample of 128 women (pregnant and postpartum) was collected, from one public hospital (n=90) and three private Obstetricians and Gynecologists Clinics (n=38), with reported PGP, that first appeared during pregnancy. The PGQ was forward/back translated by clinical/non clinical translators and evaluated by an expert review committee. Following their written consent to the study, 10 women were recruited for the pilot study and maintenance of content validity was tested by an expert review committee. Then, participants completed the PGQ-GR, the Greek version of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and a Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for current average pain intensity, and a demographic questionnaire. After 5-7 days, 57 women completed the PGQ-GR for a second time. Test – retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity were examined. All statistical analyses were conducted with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS v.29.02.0).
There were no particular problems in the cross - cultural adaptation and maintenance of face and content validity of the questionnaire. According to the factor analysis, three factors emerged (with the exclusion of six questions), with the model considered satisfactory. The internal consistency index was excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.943). The test-retest reliability was also excellent (Interclass Correlation Coefficient – ICC2,1 = 0.89), with acceptable error level (Standard Error of the Measurement - SEM = 6.84 or 9.31% and Smallest Detectable Change - SDD = 18.95 or 25.78%), for the total score of PGQ-GR. For convergent validity, the total score of PGQ-GR demonstrated high correlations (Spearman’s) with the ODI (r=0.744) and the NPRS scale (r=0.686).
The PGQ-GR is a feasible specific tool, with linguistic accuracy, good validity and reliability, for Greek women with PGP during pregnancy and postpartum.
PGP during pregnancy and postpartum is often underestimated in clinical practice in Greece, possibly because of the lack of information for this condition. Assessment of functional limitations and symptoms with the PGQ-GR by associated health scientists, would aid in the identification and improve the management of patients with PGP due to pregnancy in research and clinical practice.
Pregnancy
Postpartum
