Abbas Ali Pourmomeny1, Mahtab Zargham2, Maedeh Fani1. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. 2. Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire in patients with urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS: The English questionnaire on lower urinary tract symptoms was initially translated into Persian, and then back-translated into English. Final modifications were made after testing the questionnaire on Iranian patients with UI. To validate the translated questionnaire, the following tests were undertaken: content/face validity, internal consistency/reliability and construct validity. RESULTS: The Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life (LUTS-QoL) questionnaire showed good internal consistency, content validity, and criterion validity, as measured by correlation with scores on the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.951, indicating a high internal consistency. Concerning criterion validity, correlations between the LUTS-QoL and subscales of the SF-36 were 0.563-0.193. The highest correlation was found between the LUTS-QoL and the social function subscale of the SF-36. CONCLUSION: The Iranian version of the LUTS-QoL questionnaire is a valid and robust instrument that can be used reliably in clinical settings and in research.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire in patients with urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS: The English questionnaire on lower urinary tract symptoms was initially translated into Persian, and then back-translated into English. Final modifications were made after testing the questionnaire on Iranian patients with UI. To validate the translated questionnaire, the following tests were undertaken: content/face validity, internal consistency/reliability and construct validity. RESULTS: The Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life (LUTS-QoL) questionnaire showed good internal consistency, content validity, and criterion validity, as measured by correlation with scores on the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.951, indicating a high internal consistency. Concerning criterion validity, correlations between the LUTS-QoL and subscales of the SF-36 were 0.563-0.193. The highest correlation was found between the LUTS-QoL and the social function subscale of the SF-36. CONCLUSION: The Iranian version of the LUTS-QoL questionnaire is a valid and robust instrument that can be used reliably in clinical settings and in research.