In this study, a menstrual cycle knowledge questionnaire (MCKQ) for female athletes and coaches was developed and validated. Items for an initial questionnaire (Pre-MCKQ) were generated from existing questionnaires and supplemented by three experienced gynaecologists. The 21-item Pre-MCKQ was piloted on a sample of 325 recreational female athletes, 27 female coaches and 19 male coaches. Each item's difficulty and item-total correlation scores were assessed, and the final MCKQ was reduced to 12 items. Eighteen experts rated the 12-item MCKQ for relevance (M = 5.4 and SD = 0.8) and clarity (M = 5.4, SD = 1.0) using a 6-point Likert scale. The 12-item MCKQ was then completed by 562 elite female athletes and 170 coaches (55 female, 114 male and 1 other). Test-retest reliability was assessed with a separate cohort of sport science students (n = 64). The mean difficulty index was 57%, and the mean item-total correlation was r = 0.36. Cronbach's alpha of 0.73 indicates that the questionnaire is reliable and test-retest reliability was strong. Knowledge test scores differed significantly among female athletes, female coaches and male coaches (F (2,728) = 8.59, p < 0.01 and np2 = 0.02, respectively), demonstrating construct validity. Additionally, participants who rated their knowledge of the menstrual cycle as higher scored significantly better than those with lower self-ratings (F (5,726) = 38.45, p < 0.01, np2 = 0.21). In conclusion, the 12-item MCKQ appears to be a valid and reliable tool to assess the menstrual cycle knowledge of female athletes and coaches. Key Points - This study developed and validated a 12-item menstrual cycle knowledge questionnaire (MCKQ) for female athletes and coaches, focusing on physiological menstrual cycle processes, menstrual irregularities and related symptoms. - The MCKQ shows reliability (Cronbach`s alpha = 0.73), content validity (scale-level content validity index = 97%), and construct validity, with significant differences in knowledge scores among female athletes, female coaches and male coaches, and between self-rated knowledge levels. Test-retest reliability was also strong. - Future research can use the MCKQ to evaluate the effectiveness of menstrual cycle educational programmes in sports contexts, enhancing menstrual health knowledge.
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