[Symptoms of prostatitis in German. The Giessen Prostatitis Symptom Score].
In cases of chronic prostatitis, a systematic case history of subjective complaints is crucial. In addition to the urological diagnosis, a special symptom questionnaire can be utilized. The objective of this study was to develop a standardized and valid questionnaire to assess prostata-specific complaints in an economic way. Independently from the evaluation of this questionnaire, a similar instrument (CPSI) was developed in the United States with several similar items. The Giessener prostatitis symptom score (GPSS) comprises 12 items. Thirty-three patients suffering from prostatitis and 770 representatively selected German males filled in the questionnaire. A sum score of 6 points proved to best suited to differentiate between the patient and the representative group. Values of 6 and above indicate the corresponding diagnosis, i.e., it can be assumed that prostata-specific symptoms occur at least occasionally. In the representative sample, 7.8% of the males showed prostata-specific complaints with a score of 6 or above. A comparison between the GPSS and the CPSI concerning their diagnostic validity has not yet been performed. This comparison will show which of the instruments is better suited for prostatitis screening.
Selbstständige Abteilung für Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie, Universität Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 21, 04103 Leipzig.
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E
Brähler
J
J
Kupfer
M
M
Ludwig
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W
Weidner
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011472:Prostatitis / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results