[Validation of the Spanish version of the King's Health questionnaire for evaluating quality of life related to urinary incontinence in patients with spinal cord injury]

Abstract

Background and objective: To determine the validity of the Spanish version of the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) in patients with spinal cord injury.

Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study, including a total of 120 patients with spinal cord injury. The feasibility, cross-cultural validity, and internal consistency of the KHQ were evaluated.

Results: The dimensions with the highest scores were: impact of urinary symptoms, personal relations, and physical limitations. The following groups presented a significantly poorer HRQoL: persons of advanced age in personal relations (P=0.042), women in limitations of daily life activities (P=0.009) and in the impact of urinary incontinence (P<0.01), paraplegic patients in personal relations, and patients with incomplete cord lesions in sleeping and energy (P<0.01). Patients with an external condom catheter presented a better HRQoL with significant differences in the dimension, limitations of daily life activities (P=0.04). The KHQ showed good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha 0.91).

Conclusion: KHQ is a valid instrument for evaluating HRQoL related with urinary incontinence in patients with spinal cord injury.