Incontinence Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Incontinence, including details on urinary incontinence, bladder control, treatment, causes.

Development and testing of a new instrument to measure fluid intake, output, and urinary symptoms: the questionnaire-based voiding diary.

Arya LA, Banks C, Gopal M, Northington GM

Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop a validated self-administered questionnaire to measure fluid intake, output, behavior, and urinary symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: Factor analysis identified 4 subscales in the new questionnaire. Ninety-two women completed the questionnaire, comprised of a 48-hour voiding diary and the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptom-Scored form. The questionnaire was readministered after a 2-week period with no change in treatment and 2-3 months later after treatment of urinary symptoms. RESULTS: Correlation of items of the questionnaire with the 48-hour voiding diary in the 4 subscales was high (r = 0.55, 0.74. 0.68, and 0.47; P < .01). Subscale scores also correlated with the Bristol Lower Urinary Tract Symptom score (r = 0.68 and =0.87; P < .001). Comparisons of scores before and after treatment showed the ability of the questionnaire to respond to change. CONCLUSION: The new questionnaire is a valid and reliable means to assess fluid intake, output, behavior, and urinary symptoms.

Published 5 May 2008 in Am J Obstet Gynecol, 198(5): 559.e1-7.
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