Psychometric Properties of the Korean Version of the Incontinence Quality of Life Instrument in Women with Stress Urinary Incontiennce

Oh, Seung June; Son, Hwancheol; Kim, Soo Woong

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Incontinence-Quality of Life (I-QOL) instrument in Korean women with symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study involving women with stress urinary incontince, who eventually underwent anti-incontinence surgery (n=89) was undertaken. Convergent and discriminant validity were assessed. Reliability was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and stability was assessed as well. Sensitivity to clinical change before and after operation was also evaluated.
RESULTS
The Korean version of I-QOL proved to be not difficult to understand and acceptable to the patients. Significant association was found between the I-QoL scores and clinical parameters including overall symptom severity. The domain score were significantly different between control group and patient groups. Convergent validity of the I-QOL also proved adequate. Cronbach's alpha coefficients (>0.78) indicated reasonable internal consistency. Results from test-retest showed reproducible. I-QOL domains were generally responsive to clinical efficacy variables; the I-QOL also showed statistically significant sensitivity to changes in patients' perceptions of bladder condition in all domains.
CONCLUSION
The Korean version of the I-QOL is valid and reliable for clinical use in Korean patients with stress urinary incontinence.