Impact of Peyronie's disease on sexual and psychosocial functioning: qualitative findings in patients and controls.
BACKGROUND
There are no validated scales for assessing the psychosocial impact of Peyronie's disease (PD), which affects approximately 5-10% of men over age 50.


OBJECTIVE
To develop a psychometrically valid outcome measure for assessing psychosocial and sexual consequences of PD. To conduct a qualitative study of men with PD and age-matched controls, and design a new patient-reported outcome measure of PD.


METHODS
An expert advisory panel identified relevant topics and conceptual areas to be addressed based on clinical experience and literature reviews. A conceptual model was developed to serve as a discussion guide for qualitative interviews with geographically and ethnically diverse PD subjects and controls. Interviews were conducted in a focus-group format by a trained interviewer and were recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis according to grounded theory concepts.


METHODS
Focus-group interviews.


RESULTS
Focus-group interviews were conducted with 64 men (28 PD patients, 36 controls) in 13 separate focus groups over a 3-month period. Blinded analysis of the interview transcripts identified four core domains: (i) physical appearance and self-image; (ii) sexual function and performance; (iii) PD-related pain and discomfort; and (iv) social stigmatization and isolation. Based on feedback from participants and experts, a new outcome questionnaire was developed to assess core domain responses in a structured, self-report format.


CONCLUSIONS
This qualitative study helped to refine and broaden the focus of the conceptual model for further assessment. It also confirmed that PD has a major impact on sexual and psychological function in these patients.
New England Research Institutes, Watertown, MA 02472, USA. rrosen@neriscience.com
Raymond
R
Rosen
Joseph
J
Catania
Tom
T
Lue
Stanley
S
Althof
Jeff
J
Henne
Wayne
W
Hellstrom
Laurence
L
Levine
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005246:Feedback; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D010411:Penile Induration / Q000523:psychology*; D011287:Prejudice; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012934:Social Isolation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires