A comparison study of two lower urinary tract symptoms screening tools in clinical practice: the B-SAQ and OAB-V8 questionnaires

Abstract

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have a detrimental effect on quality-of-life (QoL). However, sufferers are often reluctant to seek help. Screening for LUTS will identify patients with bothersome symptoms who may benefit from treatment and allow patients to self-assess their symptoms and the need for medical intervention, potentially saving costly medical time and reducing long-term morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare the value of two validated questionnaires: the Bladder Control Self Assessment Questionnaire (B-SAQ) and the Overactive Bladder Awareness Tool (OAB-V8) as screening questionnaires in clinical practice. A total of 223 women were recruited prospectively from three centres. Participants completed both questionnaires in the waiting area prior to assessment by a clinician, who completed a symptom evaluation sheet. Data were analysed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Both the B-SAQ and the OAB-V8 performed well in detecting symptoms of OAB and mixed urinary symptoms. The B-SAQ performed better in detecting symptoms of stress incontinence than the OAB-V8. The opportunity to screen for haematuria should never be missed and this is an important omission from the OAB-V8.