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A simple quality of life questionnaire for patients with faecal incontinence

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International Journal of Colorectal Disease Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Introduction

A simple quality of life questionnaire was designed to triage patients with faecal incontinence to the most appropriate level of support, investigation and treatment.

Method

A questionnaire was developed to include a ‘symptom’ score, similar in content to St Mark’s questionnaire and a ‘bothersome’ score. A pilot study (34 patients) assessed the clarity of questions. Once content validity was established, it was sent to 360 patients who attended a pelvic floor clinic. Its external validity was assessed against the established standards of the short form 36 (SF-36) and the Manchester Health Questionnaires. Ease of use for these was assessed using a separate form.

Results

Of the 360 patients, 86 replied. The questionnaire was shown to be reliable both by measurement of its internal consistency and by test-retest analysis. There was a significant correlation between the scores of the new questionnaire and the Manchester Health Questionnaire as well as the SF-36. Divergence validity, assessed by correlating the number of pads used and the overall symptom score, was established. The new questionnaire was easiest to complete, taking on average 4 min.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated that the new questionnaire is reliable and valid. It is easy and quick to complete and assesses both severity and impact of symptoms.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Colorectal Surgery, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK

    Jo Krysa, Monica Lyons & Andrew B. Williams

  2. Department of Colorectal Surgery, North Wing, St Thomas’ Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London, SW1 7EH, UK

    Andrew B. Williams

Authors
  1. Jo Krysa
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  2. Monica Lyons
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  3. Andrew B. Williams
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Andrew B. Williams.

Additional information

Poster presentations: 15th Annual Scientific Meeting, UKCS, Basingstoke, April 2008; The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland annual meeting, Birmingham, June 2008; European Society for Surgical Research, Warsaw, May 2008; 38th Annual Meeting of International Continence Society, Cairo, Nov 2008

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Krysa, J., Lyons, M. & Williams, A.B. A simple quality of life questionnaire for patients with faecal incontinence. Int J Colorectal Dis 24, 1213–1217 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-009-0769-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-009-0769-0

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