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OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the measurement properties of the EuroQoL EQ-5D and two condition-specific patient-reported outcome measures--the Symptom Severity Index (SSI) and the Urinary Incontinence-Specific Quality of Life instrument (I-QoL)--in women with urinary incontinence. METHODS: A questionnaire comprising all instruments was completed by women taking part in a clinical trial of physiotherapy for urinary incontinence. Follow-up questionnaires were at 6 weeks and 5 months. Data quality, internal consistency reliability, validity and responsiveness were assessed. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-four patients taking part in the clinical trial completed the questionnaire. Instruments had low levels of missing data. The EQ-5D had a large ceiling effect and poor responsiveness. The SSI had poor validity and responsiveness. The I-QoL had levels of reliability that supported application in group assessment, and in some cases, individual assessment, and good evidence of validity. The I-QoL was the most responsive instrument at both 6 weeks and 5 months. CONCLUSION: The I-QoL was the best performing instrument and is recommended as a continence-specific measure of quality of life in a clinical trial setting. The SSI and EQ-5D are not recommended. Alternative generic instruments, which support economic evaluation, require further evaluation in trials of female urinary incontinence.

Original publication

DOI

10.1007/s11136-008-9311-z

Type

Journal article

Journal

Qual life res

Publication Date

04/2008

Volume

17

Pages

475 - 483

Keywords

Female, Health Status, Health Status Indicators, Humans, Middle Aged, Psychological Tests, Psychometrics, Quality of Life, Reproducibility of Results, Severity of Illness Index, Surveys and Questionnaires, Treatment Outcome, Urinary Incontinence