Utility preference score measurement in women with fecal incontinence.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to evaluate the construct validity of 3 multiattribute health status classification system instruments, and a visual analog scale (VAS) for measuring utility scores for women with fecal incontinence (FI).


METHODS
Utility scores were measured in 200 women with 1 or more of the following diagnoses: fecal or urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic floor symptom severity was measured using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), and quality of life was assessed with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7). Construct and concurrent validity were evaluated.


RESULTS
After adjusting for age, comorbidities, urinary incontinence, and prolapse, utility scores were significantly lower for women with FI than women without FI for all health status instruments but not the VAS. All health status instruments had significant correlations with PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores.


CONCLUSIONS
The health status instruments provide valid utility scores in women with FI and would be useful in clinical trials and cost-effectiveness research.
Harvie
Heidi S
HS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA.
Arya
Lily A
LA
Saks
Emily K
EK
Sammel
Mary D
MD
Schwartz
J Sanford
JS
Shea
Judy A
JA
D000367:Age Factors; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology