Research Article

PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF THE TURKISH VERSION OF THE VAGINAL EXAMINATION PERCEPTIONS SCALE

Volume: 17 Number: January, February, March 2026 January 16, 2026

PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF THE TURKISH VERSION OF THE VAGINAL EXAMINATION PERCEPTIONS SCALE

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to adapt the Vaginal Examination Perceptions Scale into the Turkish language and evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods: This cross-sectional, methodological study included 296 participants.The scale was reviewed by expert midwifery clinicians and academics to ensure the format, content, and construct validity. Reliability and internal consistency were assessed using Cronbach's alpha and item analysis. Results: Exploratory factor analysis identified three factors, consistent with the original structure, with item loadings ranging from 0.531 to 0.835. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated good model fit (χ²/df = 2.357, RMSEA = 0.068, CFI = 0.937, GFI = 0.904, p < .001). The Cronbach's alpha for the 17-item scale was 0.93, indicating excellent reliability. Item-total correlation coefficients ranged from 0.30 to 0.79. Conclusions: The findings confirmed that the Vaginal Examination Perceptions Scale has strong psychometric properties to measure the perception of VE among Turkish women. This sclae is a feasible, reliable, and valid instrument recommended for use in future studies.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

None

Project Number

None

Ethical Statement

The approval to conduct this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee for Non-Interventional Studies at the Ministry of HealthTepecik Health Application and Research Center (Decision No: 2020/9-31, Date: 23.07.2020).

Thanks

The authors would like to acknowledge the kind support of the maternity staffs at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital's Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic and the pregnant women who provided the database of our work.

References

  1. 1. Çalik KY, Karabulutlu Ö, Yavuz C. First do no harm-interventions during labor and maternal satisfaction: a descriptive cross-sectional study. BMC pregnancy and childbirth. 2018;18(1):1-10.
  2. 2. Lothian JA. Healthy birth practice# 4: Avoid interventions unless they are medically necessary. The Journal of Perinatal Education. 2014;23(4):198-206. doi:10.1891/1058-1243.28.2.94
  3. 3. Dzomeku VM, Mensah AB, Nakua EK, et al. Promoting respectful maternity care: challenges and prospects from the perspectives of midwives at a tertiary health facility in Ghana. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2022;22(1):1-5.
  4. 4. Hollander MH, van Hastenberg E, van Dillen J, et al. Preventing traumatic childbirth experiences: 2192 women’s perceptions and views. Archives of women’s mental health. 2017;20(4):515-23.
  5. 5. Zafra-Tanaka, Jessica Hanae, Flores-Gonzales PD, et al. Potential excess of vaginal examinations during the management of labor: frequency and associated factors in 13 Peruvian hospitals. Reproductive Health. 2019; 16.1: 146.
  6. 6. Bal Z, Uçar T and Kantar EC. Women’s Feeling of Discomfort During Vaginal Examination and Related Factors. Middle Black Sea Journal of Health Science. 2022;8(2):83-92.
  7. 7. O’Laughlin DJ, Strelow B, Fellows N, et al. Addressing anxiety and fear during the female pelvic examination. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health. 2021;12:2150132721992195.
  8. 8. Bonet M, Oladapo OT, Khan DN, et al. New WHO guidance on prevention and treatment of maternal peripartum infections. The Lancet Global Health. 2015;3(11):e667-8.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Clinical Sciences (Other) , Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

January 16, 2026

Submission Date

August 22, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 22, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: January, February, March 2026

EndNote
Baykal Akmeşe Z, Ekşioğlu A, Bayraktaroğlu F, Bonilla-escobar FJ (January 1, 2026) PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF THE TURKISH VERSION OF THE VAGINAL EXAMINATION PERCEPTIONS SCALE. Acıbadem Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi 17 January, February, March 2026