Mrs Laura Pernoud1,2, Dr Paul Gardiner3, Dr Melinda Dean1,2, Ms Jamie Noll1, Associate Professor Mia Schaumberg1,2,4
1School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs , Australia, 2UniSC Thompson Institute , Birtinya, Australia, 3School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia, 4School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
Biography:
Laura Pernoud is a PhD candidate at the University of the Sunshine Coast, focusing on menopause and women’s health. Her research explores differences in low-grade inflammation, and body composition across the menopausal transition. She is particularly interested in how these biological changes interact with lifestyle behaviours such as physical activity, diet, and sleep, and how they may contribute to chronic disease risk in postmenopausal women. Laura aims to improve understanding of the complex factors influencing women’s health during midlife to inform targeted, evidence-based strategies that support healthy ageing and disease prevention.
Abstract:
Background:
Accurate classification of menopausal status in research studies is limited by the absence of a validated tool. This study aimed to develop and validate the Reproductive Ageing in Women (RAW) questionnaire to improve classification of menopause in research.
Methods:
The RAW questionnaire was developed to compliment the Stages of Reproductive Ageing (STRAW+10) guidelines. Content and face validity were evaluated through expert feedback (n=3) and, participant interview/focus groups (n=14), respectively. Construct validity was assessed by comparing responses from a pilot sample (n=30) to STRAW+10 criteria. Test-retest reliability was assessed in 124 participants who completed the questionnaire twice (6-21 days apart) using Cohen’s kappa. Biological validity will be assessed by comparing questionnaire outcomes against markers of reproductive ageing (n=156).
Results:
Content and face validity led to inclusion of questions related to hysterectomy, (adapted from the Health and Wellbeing After Breast Cancer study classification algorithm), menopause- symptoms and menstrual changes beyond STRAW+10. Construct validity was confirmed, and test-retest reliability demonstrated moderate to excellent agreement across key questionnaire items (k=0.614-0.967). Biological validity is ongoing.
Conclusions:
The RAW questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to classify stages of reproductive ageing, enhance research outcomes and improve the understanding of menopause on health and wellbeing.