Measuring quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients with urinary disorders using the Qualiveen questionnaire.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of urinary disorders on multiple sclerosis (MS) patients' health-related quality of life and to examine the cross-sectional construct validity of Qualiveen, a questionnaire originally developed for spinal cord injury patients with urinary disorders, in patients with MS.


METHODS
Cohort study.


METHODS
Neurourodynamic units in 3 French university hospitals.


METHODS
Patients with MS (N=197).


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
We tested predictions about the relationships among clinical features, the French version of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life questionnaire (SEP-59), the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and the 4 domains of the 30-item Qualiveen.


RESULTS
Cross-sectional correlations among the 4 Qualiveen domains and type (range, .36-.54), number of symptoms (range, .23-.50), and severity of incontinence (.39-.68) were generally moderate to strong. The SEP-59 bowel and bladder function domain showed moderate to strong relationships with the Qualiveen (range, .39-.59). Relationships with other SEP-59 domains were generally weak (range, .22-.35), and with the EDSS they were very weak. Predictions proved generally accurate (weighted kappa=.61).


CONCLUSIONS
Our data supported the Qualiveen's validity as a discriminative instrument for use with patients with MS. Further studies should explore the Qualiveen's longitudinal validity and responsiveness.
Bonniaud
Véronique
V
Service de Médecine Physique et Réadaptation, CHU, Dijon, France. vbonniaud@hotmail.com
Parratte
Bernard
B
Amarenco
Gérard
G
Jackowski
Dianne
D
Didier
Jean-Pierre
JP
Guyatt
Gordon
G
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D014563:Urodynamics