Translation, transcultural adaptation and validation of the genital appearance satisfaction-Spanish (GAS-S) scale.

Abstract

Objective: To translate, culturally adapt to Spanish women and evaluate the psychometric properties of the genital appearance satisfaction-Spanish (GAS-S) scale.

Methods: GAS is an English validated scale designed to describe genital appearance satisfaction. GAS was forward and backward translated, culturally adapted into Spanish and its content evaluated through Delphi consensus, developing the Spanish scale (GAS-S) composed of 11 items. Its psychometric properties were assessed through an online survey among 200 women who attended gynecologic consults. In addition to GAS-S, the survey included sociodemographic data, Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) and female genital self-image scale (FGSIS-S).

Results: A total of 41.1% women in our sample referred concern about their genital's self-image and 12.4% had considered undergoing genital cosmetic surgery. GAS-S proved to relate appropriately with the proposed construct. Mild and moderate inverse correlation was found between total GAS-S score and RSES (r = -0.71) and between GAS-S and FGSIS-S (r = -0.32), respectively. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor solution like the original scale ("appearance of genitals", "impact on sexual function" and "impact on daily living"). The test proved good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.86), and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation 0.89, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: GAS-S is an adequate tool to assess women's genital self-appearance satisfaction in the Spanish-speaking population and is potentially more useful in those requesting labiaplasty.