Validation of Thai version of the Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaires

Abstract

Objective : To validate the Thai version of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ) for Thai women.

Materials and Methods : The UDI and IIQ have been translated into Thai. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were tested. Two hundred and eighteen patients who visited the urogynecologic clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between March 2008 and April 2010 completed the Thai version of UDI and IIQ. A higher score indicates a greater impairment on the quality of life (QOL) but a lower score indicates a better QOL.

Results : There were 86 asymptomatic and 132 symptomatic including 75 (56.8%), 11 (8.3%), and 46 (34.8%) diagnosed clinically as SUI, UUI, and MUI, respectively. There was high internal consistency and acceptable test-retest reliability. The scores from all subscales were significantly higher in symptomatic patients. Furthermore, they were significantly higher in MUI than SUI patients. Patients who have UUI or MUI had higher scores in irritating symptoms subscale. In contrast, patients with SUI or MUI had higher scores in stress symptoms subscale. The IIQ scores from all subscales were lower in SUI than UUI and MUI patients. This finding shows that patients who had urge incontinence with or without stress incontinence had worse QOL.

Conclusions : The Thai version of UDI and IIQ is reliable and valid. They are useful instruments for assessment of the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms and impact of the UI on QOL in Thai women.