Disabilità e Gravidanza: lo sviluppo del Pregnancy and Motherhood Evaluation Questionnaire (PMEQ)

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire that allows researchers to investigate and measure the impact of physical disability on pregnancy and the management of motherhood. Such a questionnaire requires good internal consistency.

Methods

The tool was developed following a study conducted in 2013 in the United States consisting of a semi-structured interview with open-ended questions. A team of three experts drafted and refined the questions, generating 31 retrospective, self-rated, and predefined questions (answered using a 5-point Likert scale). A statistical analysis of the instrument was also included, to assess its reliability and internal consistency.

Results

The Pregnancy and Motherhood Evaluation Questionnaire (PMEQ) was prepared. It is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of an initial section and three subscales. In this phase of the study, 35 women with different pathologies leading to physical disability were recruited and completed the questionnaire. The PMEQ was found to have a good internal consistency. Cronbach’s α was 0.812 (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The PMEQ has proven to be a valid, reliable, and rapid administrative tool useful for investigating and measuring the impact of physical disability on the management of pregnancy and motherhood.

IMPLICATION FOR REHABILITATION

• This study provides researchers and clinicians a new tool for the evaluation of motherhood and pregnancy in women with physical disabilities.

• The PMEQ has proven to be a valid, reliable, and rapid administrative tool (10 min) useful for investigating and measuring the impact of physical disability on the management of pregnancy and motherhood.

• It is a new tool useful in both clinical and research practice to underline the importance of carrying out preventive and woman-centered assistance interventions.

• This tool is useful for promoting the autonomous management of pregnancy and motherhood in women with physical disabilities, and improving these women’s quality of life and sense of satisfaction and competence in managing maternal tasks.