title: Ferrans and Powers' Quality of life index applied in urinary incontinence research--a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to explore the usefulness of applying a global, evaluation-based quality of life (QoL) questionnaire in assessing the impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on women's lives.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study population comprised long-term gynaecological cancer survivors (n=160) and controls from the general population (n=493). The presence of UI was assessed by the question 'Do you leak urine?' while UI perceived as a problem was assessed on a five-point scale from 'No problem' to 'A very large problem'. QoL was measured by Ferrans & Powers' QoL index (QLI), generic version II.
  
  
  RESULTS
  UI was distributed equally among women with a history of gynaecological cancer and among women from the general population (34%). UI has a negative impact on overall QLI as well as a wide range of items. Approximately 20% of the incontinent women defined UI as no problem, with QLI scores similar to continent women. Only 5% experienced UI as a large/very large problem; with exceptionally low QLI scores. The psychometric testing of QLI (acceptability, internal consistency reliability and known-group validity) supports the use of QLI in UI-studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Ferrans & Powers' QLI is considered an acceptable tool for UI research, but further psychometric testing is required.
authors.affiliation: Research Centre Health Promotion and Resources HiST/NTNU, Sør-Trøndelag University College, Faculty of Nursing, Trondheim, Norway. toril.rannestad@hist.no
authors.forename: Toril
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rannestad
authors.forename: Finn Egil
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Skjeldestad
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*