BACKGROUND: Neurogenic bladder dysfunctions in patients with spinal cord lesions may cause severe limitations in the quality of life (QoL). For assessment of QoL, a validated questionnaire in French is available. The goal of the study was to validate the German version of the questionnaire. METHODS: Translation and intercultural adaptation were achieved in cooperation with an institute for health system research. The resulting German version was filled in by 439 patients in 18 centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Data were analyzed regarding clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. Quality criteria of the items and scales were tested by a detailed scale analysis. RESULTS: Of the patients 65.8% were paraplegic and 32.8% were tetraplegic. Internal consistency, reliability, and validity of the questionnaire were very good. Differential effects could be displayed in all clinical variables that were tested. CONCLUSIONS: The Qualiveen questionnaire is now available as the first instrument in the German language for the evaluation of the influence of bladder dysfunction on QoL in patients with spinal cord lesions.
BACKGROUND:Neurogenic bladder dysfunctions in patients with spinal cord lesions may cause severe limitations in the quality of life (QoL). For assessment of QoL, a validated questionnaire in French is available. The goal of the study was to validate the German version of the questionnaire. METHODS: Translation and intercultural adaptation were achieved in cooperation with an institute for health system research. The resulting German version was filled in by 439 patients in 18 centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Data were analyzed regarding clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. Quality criteria of the items and scales were tested by a detailed scale analysis. RESULTS: Of the patients 65.8% were paraplegic and 32.8% were tetraplegic. Internal consistency, reliability, and validity of the questionnaire were very good. Differential effects could be displayed in all clinical variables that were tested. CONCLUSIONS: The Qualiveen questionnaire is now available as the first instrument in the German language for the evaluation of the influence of bladder dysfunction on QoL in patients with spinal cord lesions.
Authors: P Costa; B Perrouin-Verbe; A Colvez; J Didier; P Marquis; A Marrel; G Amarenco; B Espirac; A Leriche Journal: Eur Urol Date: 2001-01 Impact factor: 20.096