title: The validity and reliability of the neurogenic bladder symptom score.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The neurogenic bladder symptom score is a tool to measure urinary symptoms and consequences in patients with acquired or congenital neurogenic bladder. We describe score validity and reliability.
  
  
  METHODS
  Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess item variability and subscale structure. Reliability was assessed by the Cronbach α and correlation with retest data. Validity was assessed with a priori hypotheses specifying relationships with the AUASS (American Urological Association symptom score), ICIQ-UI (International Consultation on Incontinence-Urinary Incontinence) and urinary specific quality of life SF-Qualiveen questionnaires, and a self-assessed global bladder problem score. Known groups analysis was used to further assess construct validity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A cohort of 230 patients with spinal cord injury (35%), multiple sclerosis (59%) and congenital neurogenic bladder (6%) were included in study. Factor analysis suggested 3 neurogenic bladder symptom score domains, including incontinence, storage and voiding symptoms, and consequences. Overall internal consistency was high (Cronbach α=0.89). Test-rest reliability was also excellent with an ICC2,1 of 0.91. Validity was demonstrated by the confirmation of hypothesized correlations with the AUASS, ICIQ-UI and SF-Qualiveen, and significant differences in neurogenic bladder symptom score scores among known groups. Patients with a history of seeing a urologist had a significantly higher mean score, as did those with a higher global bladder problem score (22.1 vs 17.1 and 22.1 vs 12.6, respectively, each p<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The neurogenic bladder symptom score, developed specifically to assess symptoms and consequences associated with neurogenic bladder dysfunction, has appropriate psychometric properties. Depending on the measurement need individual domains may be selected or it can be used as a comprehensive score.
authors: Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: blayne.welk@sjhc.london.on.ca.
authors: Blayne
authors: B
authors: Welk
authors: Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Morrow
authors: St. Joseph's Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Wendy
authors: W
authors: Madarasz
authors: Vesia (Alberta Bladder Centre), Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Baverstock
authors: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Macnab
authors: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Keith
authors: K
authors: Sequeira
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D063189:Symptom Assessment; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000175:diagnosis*
keywords: lower urinary tract symptoms; neurogenic; outcome assessment (health care); quality of life; questionnaires; urinary bladder