Comparing Visual-Analog and Numeric Scales for Assessing Menstrual Pain

Abstract

Measurements from visual-analog (VAS) and numeric scales were used to assess menstrual pain in a prevalence study of 1,387 women in Madrid, Spain. The data obtained from these 2 scales were compared to determine if significant differences existed between the 2 rating methods. Findings indicated that both scales are useful for assessing menstrual pain. A high degree of correlation was found between the 2 scales; larger rating differences were seen in only a small percentage of the sample. The numeric scale is easier and more convenient to use than the VAS and is recommended in epidemiologic and prevalence studies such as this one.

Key Words:

• dysmenorrhea
• scales
• visual-analog scale

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cristina Larroy

Dr Larroy is profesor titular with the Dpto de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamiento Psicológico I (Psicología Clínica), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain.