Approbation and validation of Russian version of the interstitial cystitis symptoms and problem index

BACKGROUND: Improving the effectiveness of diagnosing and treating patients with primary bladder pain syndrome is crucial in current urology owing to the high prevalence of the condition, its significant impact on the quality of life, and the similarity of its clinical manifestations to other diseases. The clinical manifestations of primary bladder pain syndrome is typically evaluated using specialized questionnaires, with one of the most commonly utilized being the Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms and Problem Index.

AIM: This study aimed to validate the Russian version of the Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms and Problem Index and thus assess its reliability and validity in accurately measuring the symptoms and problems associated with interstitial cystitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 62 participants and divided them into two groups. Group A included 32 patients diagnosed with primary bladder pain syndrome, comprising 26 women and 6 men, with an average age of 55 years. Group B consisted of 30 conditionally healthy volunteers, comprising 20 men and 10 women, with an average age of 46 years. All participants were required to complete the Russian version of the Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms and Problem Index, Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency (PUF) scale, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and maintain a voiding diary. Additionally, patients with PBPS underwent cystoscopy with bladder hydrodistention. Data collected from the participants were utilized to determine the internal consistency, external validity, and test–retest reliability of the questionnaires using the interclass correlation coefficient.

RESULTS: The mean of the Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms and Problem Index total in group A was 31.55 ± 7.07, which significantly (p < 0.001) exceeded the score of group B (2.90 ± 1.47). The Cronbach’s alpha of the total and “ICSI” and “ICPI” domains was 0.990, 0.834, and 0.854 respectively, confirming the high internal consistency of the Russian version of the Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms and Problem Index. External validity was verified by the relevant correlations with other questionnaires. Moreover, the total score of the questionnaire correlated with the clinical manifestations of primary bladder pain syndrome, the presence of Hunner’s lesions, and bladder capacity.

CONCLUSIONS: The study findings indicate that the Russian version of the Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms and Problem Index exhibits good validity and reliability. Therefore, it can be recommended for use in clinical practice as an effective tool for assessing symptoms and problems associated with interstitial cystitis.