Turkish adaptation of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score and its validity and reliability

Hungarian Translation and Validation of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) significantly affects women's quality of life, making the availability of validated, culturally adapted tools for reliable symptom evaluation essential. In this study, the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POP-SS) was translated into Hungarian and validated, with the assessment of its psychometric properties for clinical and research use.

METHODS

In total, 125 women diagnosed with symptomatic POP (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification Score-POP-Q stage ≥ 2) completed the Hungarian POP-SS (POP-SS-H), the Hungarian version of the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (AFPQ-H), and the short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Exploratory factor analysis was performed, McDonald's ω was used to assess internal consistency, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to examine test-retest reliability over a 2-week interval.

RESULTS

The POP-SS-H demonstrated strong psychometric properties (overall ICC = 0.96, p < 0.001). Item ICCs were 0.69-0.99, with "difficulty in emptying the bladder" being the most stable. The scale has a two-factor ("prolapse and urinary distress" and "abdominal strain and bowel discomfort") structure. McDonald's ω was 0.75, confirming its good internal consistency. The scale's convergent validity was demonstrated through correlations with AFPQ-H and WHOQOL-BREF subscale scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The POP-SS-H is a reliable and valid instrument for the assessment of prolapse-related symptoms. Its high degrees of test-retest reliability and internal consistency make it suitable for clinical follow-up and research. The tool addresses a significant gap in pelvic-floor disorder management in Hungary, although further research is recommended to assess its sensitivity in the tracking of symptom changes after treatment.

Psychometric Properties and Cutoff Value of the Turkish Overactive Bladder Symptom Score

IMPORTANCE

The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) measures all overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms with graded answers, evaluates urgency symptoms, and reveals the subjective bladder control. However, the Turkish version and the cutoff value of the questionnaire have not yet been studied.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to determine the psychometric properties of the 7-item OABSS and to estimate the cutoff value of the scale.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an observational study. The internal consistency (Cronbach α) and test-retest reliability were analyzed, and exploratory factor analysis was performed. For the criterion validity, the correlations between the OABSS, the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire, the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire, and outcomes of a bladder diary were used. The cutoff value of the OABSS was analyzed by the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis.

RESULTS

Participants with (n = 49) and without (n = 38) OAB were included. The internal consistency was very strong (Cronbach α = 0.95). The test-retest reliability was very strong (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.93-0.95, P = 0.001). The percentage of explanation of the total variance was calculated as 78%. There was a strong to very strong correlation between the OABSS and the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire and Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms scores and outcomes of the bladder diary. The cutoff value for the OABSS was determined as 10.5.

CONCLUSIONS

The Turkish OABSS was found to be a valid and reliable scale to determine OAB symptoms and severity. Those who score more than 10.5 on the questionnaire can be considered as at risk of OAB syndrome.

Contributory effects of individual characteristics on pelvic floor distress in women with pelvic floor dysfunctions

OBJECTIVE

To determine individual characteristics (i.e. sociodemographic and medical, obstetric and gynecological, and musculoskeletal and anthropometric parameters) for greater pelvic floor distress (PFD).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed in 253 women with pelvic floor dysfunction. PFD was assessed using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20). The score of Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) was used to perform secondary analyses. Sociodemographic, medical, and obstetric & gynecological parameters were recorded. Waist and hip circumferences and pelvic diameters were measured as anthropometric parameters. Pearson test, t-test, and linear regression analyses were conducted with a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

Education level (r = -0.23, p < .001; r = -0.24, p < .001), number of vaginal births (r = 0.15, p = .012; r = 0.12, p = .048), total vaginal birth weight (r = 0.15, p = .021; r = 0.16, p = .019), and Body Mass Index (r = 0.12, p = .043; r = 0.16, p = .007) were significantly correlated with the higher PFDI-20 and UDI-6 scores. The maternal age at the first vaginal birth (r = -0.13, p = .049) and pelvic antero-posterior diameter (r = 0.17, p = .013) were also significantly correlated with higher UDI-6 score. Linear regression analyses revealed that younger age (Beta coefficient (β) = -1.10, p = .005), greater symptom duration (β = 2.28, p = .001), the presence of chronic cough/constipation (β = 25.72, p = .001), and increased total vaginal birth weight (β = 2.38, p = .030) were associated with the greater PFDI-20 score. Increased pelvic antero-posterior diameter (β = 0.88, p = .049) was a contributory factor for the greater UDI-6 score.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that younger age, chronic cough/constipation, higher total vaginal birth weight, greater symptom duration, and pelvic antero-posterior diameter can be contributors of greater PFD. We suggest further longitudinal studies that better reveal the causal relationship between individual characteristics and PFD.

Reliability and validity of the Sidaamu Afoo version of the pelvic organ prolapse symptom score questionnaire

BACKGROUND

Both for clinical and research purposes, it is critical that clinicians and researchers use a tool that is trans-culturally adapted and tested for its psychometric properties. The English version of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POP-SS) questionnaire was developed in 2000. Since then it has been translated into other languages and verified. However, the tool has not been adapted for use in Sidaamu Afoo language in the Sidama Region of Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to translate and adapt the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score questionnaire into Sidaamu Afoo and evaluate its psychometric properties.

METHODS

A total of 100 women with symptomatic prolapse completed version-2 of the POP-SS questionnaire during the first round of interviews, and 61 of them completed the questionnaire during the second round of interviews (to establish the test-retest reliability). We adapted the scale translation process recommended by Beaton and his colleagues. The content validity was assessed using the content validity index and the construct validity was done based on exploratory factor analysis using the principal component analysis model. The criterion validity was evaluated by using the Kruskal-Wallis test based on stages of the prolapse established via pelvic examination. The internal consistency reliability of the scale was assessed using Cronbach's alpha value, and test-retest reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was successfully translated to Sidaamu Afoo, and achieved a good content validity index (0.88), high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.79), and test-retest reliability (an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.83). The exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors based on an eigenvalue of 1. The two factors explained 70.6% of the common variance, and each item loaded well (0.61 to 0.92) to its corresponding factor. There is a significant difference in the median score of prolapse symptoms across different stages of prolapse (Kruskal-Wallis χ², 17.5, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The Sidaamu Afoo version of the POP-SS tool is valid and reliable. Further studies that involve a balanced number of women in each stage of prolapse are needed to avoid the ceiling and floor effects.

Exercise Position to Improve Synergy Between the Diaphragm and Pelvic Floor Muscles in Women With Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Cross Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the synergy between the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) according to different exercise positions in women with pelvic floor dysfunction. Our secondary aim was to determine the short-term effects of single-week pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program on diaphragmatic function.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study included 64 women with pelvic floor dysfunction. The participants' diaphragm and abdominal muscle functions during voluntary PFM contraction and relaxation were assessed by surface electromyography and ultrasonography. The surface electromyography assessments were performed in supine (P1), crawling (P2) and sitting (P3) positions. A single week-PFMT was conducted on women who agreed to determine the short-term responses of the diaphragm function. The muscle functions according to exercise positions were compared with Friedman Analysis of Variance, and the short-term effects of single-week PFMT on diaphragm function was analyzed with Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test.

RESULTS

The diaphragm activity during voluntary PFM contraction was highest in P2 before and after single-week PFMT (P < .001). Positive significant correlations were found between the activities diaphragm and abdominal muscles in different exercise positions (P < .05). After single-week PFMT, diaphragm thickness increased (P = .030) in P1, but diaphragm activity did not change in all 3 exercise positions (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

The synergy between the diaphragm and PFM was greater in the crawling position in women with pelvic floor dysfunction. The abdominal muscles seemed to contribute to maintaining this synergy. Therefore, PFMT combined with diaphragmatic breathing exercises in the crawling position should be considered. In addition, single-week PFMT may positively affect diaphragm function in the short-term.

Comparison of 2-year follow-up outcomes of laparoscopic lateral suspension and sacrospinous fixation in apical compartment prolapse: an observational study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the results of patients with laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) and sacrospinous fixation (SSF).

METHODS

This prospective observational study included 52 patients who underwent LLS and 53 patients who underwent SSF due to pelvic organ prolapse. The pelvic organ prolapse's anatomical cure and the frequency of recurrence have been recorded. Female Sexual Function Index, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score, and complications were evaluated preoperatively and at the postoperative 24th month.

RESULTS

In the LLS group, the subjective treatment rate was 88.4% and the anatomical cure rate for apical prolapse was 96.1%. In the SSF group, the subjective treatment rate was 83.0% and the anatomical cure rate for apical prolapse was 90.5%. There was a significant difference between the groups regarding Clavien-Dindo classification and reoperation (p < 0.05). Female Sexual Function Index, and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score were different between the groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that there is no difference between two surgical techniques in apical prolapse cure rates. However, the LLS seem preferable in terms of the Female Sexual Function Index, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score, reoperation, and complications. We need larger sample size studies in terms of incidence of complications and reoperation.

Translating the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Score into Samoan using a modified back translation methodology

Background

Although Samoan women have a high prevalence of obesity and multiple parity which are risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse, there is no prevalence data on this condition.

Aims

Translate the Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Symptoms Score (POP-SS) from English into Samoan,

Materials and methods

Standardised methods for translating questionnaires, individual face to face audio-recorded interviews in which women completed the POP-SS using a Think Aloud method, analysis using a Framework approach.

Results

The POP-SS was successfully translated in to Samoan, an additional information leaflet was developed to support women’s understanding of what prolapse is, 14 Samoan women were recruited of which 13 were interviewed and completed the POP-SS, results of POP-SS (scores), results of think aloud, results in terms of research experience.

Conclusions

A Samoan version of the POP-SS is now available for further evaluation of its psychometric properties prior to wider use. The team continue to collaborate on their work on establishing the prevalence of prolapse whilst building local research capacity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-022-01676-3.

Validation of the Chinese version of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POP-SS)

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to translate the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POP-SS) into Chinese and validate it in a population of Chinese women.

METHODS

The POP-SS questionnaire was translated into simplified Chinese language following an intercultural adaptation procedure. One hundred forty-six patients who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. Among the enrolled patients, 63 underwent surgery for POP and 50 underwent pessary management. They completed the questionnaires at baseline (T1), 1 to 2 weeks later (T2), and 3 months after intervention (T3). Evaluation for psychometric properties was conducted following with the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist, including internal consistency, test-retest reliability, measurement error, content validity, criterion validity, construct validity, responsiveness, and interpretability.

RESULTS

The POP-SS was successfully translated into a Chinese version and achieved good content validity. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.796) was good, and test-retest reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.98; P < 0.001). The construct validity was verified by factor analysis and consistent with the theoretical structure of the original questionnaire. The POP-SS score was also significantly correlated with Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.89, P < 0.001). The confirmatory factor analysis identified two factors: physical symptoms and evacuation symptoms. The mean changes among the participants in very much better (9.80 ± 5.36) and much better (5.67 ± 2.99) groups were larger than those among the participants in the no change group (0.43 ± 2.07). The effect size responsiveness parameter in the much better group (>0.80) was larger than that in the no change group (<0.20). The values of the minimal important change for surgery and pessary groups were both larger than the smallest detectable change, indicating sufficient responsiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

The Chinese version of POP-SS is a reliable and valid instrument and has good sensitivity to change in the population studied.

Uterus-preserving Laparoscopic Lateral Suspension with Mesh Operation in Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Initial Experience in a Single Tertiary Center with a Median 24-Month Follow-up

Introduction Laparoscopic lateral suspension with mesh (LLSM) is an effective and less invasive technique for the correction of pelvic organ prolapse. We discuss the primary objectives, subjective success rate and pelvic floor ultrasound outcomes of uterus-preserving LLSM operations. Patients and Methods Seventeen patients who underwent uterus-preserving LLSM (abdominocervicopexy) in a tertiary center were included in this prospective study. Anatomical cure was defined separately for the apical and anterior compartments as a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) score of less than - 1 cm for each compartment. Subjective cure was defined as the absence of bulge symptoms. Patient satisfaction, sexual function, prolapse-related quality of life, voiding dysfunction, nocturia and constipation were assessed. Transperineal ultrasonography was used to measure anterior compartment mobility and hiatal anteroposterior diameter. Results The anatomical cure rate was 100% for the apical and 88.2% for the anterior compartment, with one symptomatic stage-II cystorectocele and one asymptomatic stage-II cystocele. The subjective cure and patient satisfaction scores were 94.12 and 100%, respectively. Ba and C points were significantly improved, and vaginal lengthening was 10.14 ± 4.19 mm. Bp ascent was 5.72 ± 11.27 mm (p = 0.053). Proximal urethral rotation and retrovesical angles were reduced by 6.24 ± 11.95° and 27 ± 47.2°, respectively (p1 = 0.047; p2 = 0.032). The hiatal anteroposterior diameter was shortened by 4.36% (p = 0.039). A significant improvement was seen with regard to nocturia episodes but not for constipation. No mesh exposure was observed. Conclusions Uterus-preserving LLSM (abdominocervicopexy) was found to be effective for the correction of apical and anterior prolapse with high levels of patient satisfaction. Significant improvements in urge symptoms and frequency of nocturia were observed. Pelvic floor ultrasound outcomes may be useful when comparing this procedure with other surgical techniques.

Validation of the Amharic version of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POP-SS)

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POP-SS) into Amharic and evaluate its psychometric properties.

METHODS

We followed an intercultural adaptation procedure to translate and adapt the POP-SS. One hundred and eighty-six women with POP symptoms completed the Amharic POP-SS and Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QoL) questionnaires. All women were examined using a simplified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (SPOP-Q) system and were divided into four groups based on the POP-Q scores as stage 1, 2, 3, and 4. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were determined using Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. Criterion validity was assessed against the SPOP-Q stage and the P-QoL scale. Furthermore, we tested construct validity using exploratory factor analysis.

RESULTS

The POP-SS score was successfully translated and achieved good content validity. It had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.81; p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference among four groups of stages in POP-SS score. and women with stage 3 had the highest median score (Kruskal-Wallis test; p < 0.05). The POP-SS score was also significantly correlated with the P-QoL score (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.28, p < 0.001). The exploratory factor analysis identified two factors, namely, physical symptoms and evacuation symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The POP-SS scale was successfully translated to Amharic and appears reliable and valid for women with symptoms of POP. However, further studies are needed to evaluate its responsiveness.

A new operation technique for uterine prolapse: Vaginally-assisted laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy

Objective:

To describe the new surgical technique and report the safety and feasibility of vaginally-assisted laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy (VALSH).

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-three women with stage 3 or more uterine prolapse underwent VALSH operation. Patients were followed up for 12 months for mesh-related complications and improvements of symptoms. The operation had three sections; 1^st laparoscopic, 2^nd vaginal, 3^rd laparoscopic.

Results:

The mean age, gravidity, and parity of the study population were 46.5 years (range, 25-68 years), 4.3 (1-9), and 2.9 (1-6), respectively. The mean duration of operation was 59.5 min (range, 20-120 min). There were significant differences between the pre- and post-operative values of pelvic organ prolapse quantification parameters, which were favorable in the latter evaluation (p<0.001); total vaginal length was preserved after surgery (p>0.05).

Conclusion:

VALSH is a safe and minimally-invasive procedure in uterovaginal prolapse, with favorable anatomic and functional outcomes at 12 months post-operatively.