Utility preference score measurement in women with fecal incontinence.

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the construct validity of 3 multiattribute health status classification system instruments, and a visual analog scale (VAS) for measuring utility scores for women with fecal incontinence (FI). Utility scores were measured in 200 women with 1 or more of the following diagnoses: fecal or urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic floor symptom severity was measured using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), and quality of life was assessed with the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7). Construct and concurrent validity were evaluated. After adjusting for age, comorbidities, urinary incontinence, and prolapse, utility scores were significantly lower for women with FI than women without FI for all health status instruments but not the VAS. All health status instruments had significant correlations with PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores. The health status instruments provide valid utility scores in women with FI and would be useful in clinical trials and cost-effectiveness research.