Validation of Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (PUQE) Score in a Turkish Population

Purpose: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is a significant problem in the first trimester of pregnancy which may seriously affect quality of life.The Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (PUQE) score is a useful tool to assess NVP severity.The aim of the study was to perform the Turkish validation of the PUQE scoring system. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in a single clinic between December 2023 and May 2025, involving pregnant women in their first trimester.The Turkish version of the PUQE questionnaire was developed using standardized translation and cultural adaptation guidelines.Participants completed the modified PUQE scale assessing nausea, vomiting, and retching over the past 24 hours.Statistical analyses included internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), content validity, and correlation with clinical interventions (antiemetic and intravenous fluid use).Results: Among 787 pregnant women enrolled, 40.7% reported symptoms of NVP .Participants with NVP had a significantly higher pre-pregnancy body mass index compared to those without NVP (p=0.001), while other demographic variables showed no significant differences.The Turkish version of the PUQE scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha =0.963).Corrected item-total correlations ranged from 0.81 to 0.91.PUQE scores were significantly associated with clinical intervention, including antiemetic use and intravenous fluid therapy (p<0.001),supporting the scale's clinical validity. Conclusion:The PUQE scale was successfully adapted and validated in the Turkish language.Since PUQE is a three-item tool that is easy to apply and use, validation and adaptation to Turkish was helpful to evaluate the severity of NVP in any Turkish population.