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The Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7) Can Be Applicable to Chinese Males and Females with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

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Abstract

Aim and Objectives

The aim of this study was to extend the scope of application of the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7) with the objective of assessing the applicability, validity, reliability and sensitivity of the IIQ-7 in both Chinese males and females with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Methods

The validity, reliability and sensitivity were assessed in 233 patients who were recruited in Hong Kong primary-care settings. The internal construct validity was assessed by corrected item–total correlation. The convergent validity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation test against International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) quality-of-life question and Short Form 12, version 2 (SF-12v2). The reliability was assessed by the internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient) and 2-week test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient and paired t test). The sensitivity was determined by performing known group comparisons by independent t test.

Results

Corrected item–total correlations were ≥0.4 for all items in males and females. Overall, the IIQ-7 total score had a stronger correlation with IPSS quality-of-life score than the SF-12v2. The IIQ-7 showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient >0.7) and good test–retest reliability (ICC > 0.8, paired t test p value >0.05). The IIQ-7 was more sensitive than the SF-12v2 to detect differences among patients with different levels of symptom severity.

Conclusions

The IIQ-7 Chinese version appears to be a valid and reliable measure to assess Cantonese-speaking males and females with LUTS. The IIQ-7 is more sensitive than generic health-related quality-of-life measures to detect differences between groups.

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Acknowledgements

The study was supported by the Small Project Fund, the University of Hong Kong and the Health and Health Services Research Fund, Food and Health Bureau, HKSAR commissioned Research on Enhancing Primary Care Study. The authors would like to thank Dr. Symphorosa S. C. Chan for permission to use the Chinese IIQ-7. EPHC was responsible for study design, acquisition of data, data analysis and drafting of the manuscript. WYC and CLKL were involved in the planning of the study design, for study supervision, for critical revision of the manuscript and for obtaining the study’s funding. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Competing interests

We declare there are no conflicts of interest specific to this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, 3/F., 161 Main Street, Ap Lei Chau Clinic, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong

    Edmond P. H. Choi, Cindy L. K. Lam & Weng-Yee Chin

Authors
  1. Edmond P. H. Choi
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  2. Cindy L. K. Lam
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  3. Weng-Yee Chin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Edmond P. H. Choi.

Appendices

Appendix 1: Screening questionnaire

  1. 1.

    How often do you have urinary problems*?

  2. 2.

    We would like to know how much urine you think leaks.

    How much urine do you usually leak (whether you wear protection or not)?

  3. 3.

    Overall, how much do urinary problems* interfere with your everyday life?

*Urinary problems: intermittent stream, incomplete bladder emptying, weak stream, straining, nocturia, urgency, frequency and incontinence.

Appendix 2: IIQ-7 (modified)

Have urine problems* affected your:

  1. 1.

    Ability to do household chores (cooking, housecleaning, laundry)?

  2. 2.

    Physical recreation such as walking, swimming, or other exercise?

  3. 3.

    Entertainment activities (movies, concerts, etc.)?

  4. 4.

    Ability to travel by car or bus more than 30 min from home?

  5. 5.

    Participation in social activities outside your home?

  6. 6.

    Emotional health (nervousness, depression, etc.)?

  7. 7.

    Feeling frustrated?

Urinary problems: intermittent stream, incomplete bladder emptying, weak stream, straining, nocturia, urgency, frequency and incontinence.

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Choi, E.P.H., Lam, C.L.K. & Chin, WY. The Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7) Can Be Applicable to Chinese Males and Females with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. Patient 7, 403–411 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40271-014-0062-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40271-014-0062-3

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