Psychometric evaluation of the METCON-ES-13: An abbreviated measure of menstrual myths and knowledge among Spanish women aged 18-25 years.

Abstract

The original 22-item METCON© Scale assesses menstrual myths, knowledge, taboos, and gender stereotypes. This study aimed to develop a more parsimonious version and evaluate the psychometric performance of the METCON-ES-13 among Spanish women aged 18-25 years. This cross-sectional psychometric study included a community-based convenience sample of 1,111 Spanish women aged 18-25 years who completed an anonymous online survey between June 2022 and December 2024. Principal component analysis was used for item reduction, followed by confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency and preliminary construct validity evidence were examined. Nine items were removed because of low factor loadings or insufficient conceptual clarity. The resulting 13-item instrument comprised three dimensions: false beliefs and myths, menstrual knowledge, and stereotypes and negative perceptions. The solution explained 65.88 percent of the variance and showed acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.809). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated good model fit (CFI = 0.952; TLI = 0.940; RMSEA = 0.064; SRMR = 0.041). The METCON-ES-13 showed acceptable internal consistency and preliminary support for its three-factor structure. Further external validation is needed before broader clinical, educational, or community application.