Validity and Reliability of the Greek Version of the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS) Questionnaire

Tzelves L1, Glykas I2, Fragkoulis C2, Mitsikostas D3, Skolarikos A1, Welk B4, Dellis A5

Research Type

Clinical

Abstract Category

Neurourology

Abstract 178
ePoster 3
Scientific Open Discussion Session 12
On-Demand
Questionnaire Multiple Sclerosis Overactive Bladder
1. 2nd Department of Urology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Sismanoglio Hospital, Athens, Greece, 2. Department of Urology, General Hospital of Athens G.Gennimatas, Athens, Greece, 3. 1st Department of Neurology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Aiginiteio Hospital, Athens, Greece, 4. Department of Surgery and Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada, 5. 2nd Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece; 1st Department of Urology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Athens, Greece
Presenter
L

Lazaros Tzelves
Links

Abstract

Hypothesis / aims of study 
The neurogenic bladder symptom score (NBSS) is a tool to measure urinary symptoms and consequences in patients with acquired or congenital neurogenic bladder. There is no data regarding validity and reliability of the Greek version of NBSS questionnaire. In this study we investigated these parameters using a sample of Greek patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in order to validate the questionnaire in Greek language, since these patients frequently suffer from incontinence and/or storage symptoms.
Study design, materials and methods 
Patients with different types and severity of MS were recruited from a single center in Greece prospectively. All patients completed the MusiQoL (International questionnaire investigating quality of life in multiple sclerosis), and the NBSS questionnaires at baseline and 20 days later, without receiving any new medical treatment. Data regarding multiple sclerosis history, urine culture and abdominal ultrasound were also collected prospectively. Construct validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability were tested. Internal consistency was investigated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, while test-retest reliability with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) using the answers of the same patients at baseline and 20 days after. Construct validity was assessed by comparing NBSS quality of life question with MusiQoL questionnaire, the Greek version of which is already validated.
Results 
A total of 91 patients were evaluated. The dimensions of the NBSS exhibited high internal consistency, both for overall questionnaire score (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.91) and for every subdomain separately (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.95 for incontinence, 0.88 for storage symptoms and 0.74 for consequences). Test-retest reliability was satisfactory both for overall score [ICC of 0.85, (0.35-0.94), p<0.001] and for every subdomain separately (ICC of 0.90 for incontinence, 0.83 for storage symptoms and 0.90 for consequences). Pearson’s correlation coefficient of question number 24 of the NBSS questionnaire regarding quality of life with the MusiQoL questionnaire revealed a moderate correlation (r=0.64, [0.48-0.80], p<0.0001).
Interpretation of results 
The Greek version of the NBSS questionnaire showed high internal consistency. Test-retest reliability appeared to be satisfactory as long as the Pearson's correlation coefficient with the MusiQoL questionnaire. The results of the study indicate that the Greek version of the NBSS questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessing neurogenic bladder symptoms in Greek population suffering from multiple sclerosis.
Concluding message 
The Greek version of the NBSS appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing neurogenic bladder symptoms in Greek population suffering from multiple sclerosis. Using this questionnaire in their native language will aid patients with multiple sclerosis and their physicians better understand urinary symptoms of this disease during everyday practice.
Figure 1 Table 1. Demographic and clinical characteristics
Figure 2 Table 2. Internal Consistency of NBSS Greek form. Table 3. Test- retest Reliability of NBSS Greek form.
Disclosures
Funding There was no funding support for the conduction of this paper. Clinical Trial No Subjects Human Ethics Committee ARETAIEION HOSPITAL ETHICS COMMITTEE Helsinki Yes Informed Consent Yes
17/04/2024 23:32:32