Validation of the Prolapsus-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (P-QOL) in a Selected Turkish Population

BACKGROUND: This study was planned to assess the validity and reliability of the Prolapsus-related Quality of Life (P-QOL) Questionnaire in a selected group of Turkish women. METHODS: The study included a total of 218 women applied to the gynecology outpatient clinic of Gulhane Military Medical Academy. Validity was assessed with known-groups technique. To use this technique, participants were separated into two groups, as symptomatic and asymptomatic for pelvic organ prolapse. Study participants completed a questionnaire including questions regarding Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QOL), sociodemographic and other characteristics of women at the beginning of their visit. Participants were also examined using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q). RESULTS: Cronbach s alpha internal consistency reliability coefficients were 0.95 for role limitations, 0.89 for physical limitations, 0.83 for social limitations, 0.76 for personel relationships, 0.95 for emotions, 0.93 for sleep/ energy, 0.64 for severity measures and 0.92 for total P-QOL. Spearman s correlation coefficient between prolapsus-related quality of life domain s scores and vaginal examination findings ranged from 0.10 to 0.46 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The Turkish translated version of the P-QOL is a reliable, consistent and valid instrument for assessing symptom severity, impact on quality of life in women with uterovaginal prolapse. [TAF Prev Med Bull. 2008; 7(4): 317-322]