Development and psychometric evaluation of a dutch questionnaire for the assessment of anorectal and lower urinary tract symptoms

Background and study aims : Epidemiological studies have shown a frequent coexistence of symptoms and diseases affecting the anorectum and lower urinary tract. To further investigate combined symptoms and pathology of both pelvic viscera we developed a self-reported questionnaire, in Dutch, which extensively evaluates habits, complaints and symptoms of both viscera. We describe the construction and the psychometric properties of this questionnaire.Patients and methods : This prospective study was conducted in 56 patients with anorectal symptoms, 41 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and in a control group of 91 people. The following psychometric properties of the questionnaire were evaluated : content validity, construct validity, criterion validity, test-retest reliability and internal consistency.Results : The questionnaire covered all important domains, was well interpreted and showed good acceptability (content validity). The questionnaire clearly differentiated the patient populations (construct validity). The criterion validity of the questionnaire was excellent. The test-retest reliability of the questionnaire was acceptable in all three the study populations (overall median kappa : 0.64 ; Inter Quartile Range : 0.56-0.75 ; mean agreement : 88%). The internal consistency of both anorectal and lower urinary tract symptom questions was high (Crohnbach's alpha of 0.78 and 0.80 respectively).Conclusions : This questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of anorectal and lower urinary tract symptoms. It can provide further insights into the epidemiology of concomitant bowel and bladder disorders and, accordingly, can contribute to a more efficient diagnostic and therapeutic approach in patients with such disorders. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2011, 74, 295-303).