Validity, reliability and responsiveness of a Dutch version of the prolapse quality-of-life (P-QoL) questionnaire

Introduction and hypothesis: We aimed to test validity, reliability and responsiveness of a Dutch version of a prolapse quality-of-life questionnaire (P-QoL). Methods: P-QoL was translated into Dutch and adjusted by a panel of five experts. The scores of the final version were compared between symptomatic (n=160) and asymptomatic (n=80) patients and with findings on vaginal examination (pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q)). In terms of reliability, Cronbach's alpha was calculated, and a test-retest (n=20) was performed. Responsiveness to treatment was assessed by comparing pre-and postoperative scores in 45 patients. Results: Total scores for each P-QoL domain were different between symptomatic and asymptomatic women (p<0.001). Severity according to P-QoL correlated well with POP-Q findings. Cronbach's alphas showed internal consistency within the domains. Test-retest reliability was high. Pre-and postoperative scores for each domain were significantly different (p<0.001). Conclusion: The Dutch version of P-QoL is valid, reliable and responsive to assess quality-of-life and symptoms in Dutch-speaking patients with urogenital prolapse. © 2009 The International Urogynecological Association.