A review of condition-specific instruments to assess the impact of urinary incontinence on health-related quality of life.

To date, severity of symptoms of urinary tract conditions, such as overactive bladder (OAB) and stress incontinence, have been the main indicators used to understand the burden on the patient. However, there is also an impact on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) that should also be assessed. A literature search was conducted and all HRQoL instruments published in peer-reviewed journals were evaluated. Ten instruments were identified: general use (five); urinary urge (OAB) incontinence (four); and stress incontinence (one). Several were identified as valid instruments for assessing HRQoL in urinary incontinence patients. Copyright 2003 Elsevier Science B.V.