Validation of a Chinese version for the global Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire

PURPOSE: The Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire (PFBQ) is a self-administered instrument for determining pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). The PFBQ was validated in English, but lately in other languages. However, a Chinese version has not been established. Thus, we aimed at validating a Chinese PFBQ version.

METHODS: We used a translation-back method to develop a PFBQ Chinese version and validated in 102 women, 51 with at least one PFD symptom participated in the patient group, and 51 without PFD in the control group. Construct validity was assessed by comparing groups and a content validity index (CVI) determined. For test-retest reliability, participants completed the questionnaire twice within 1-week interval and the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was determined. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's statistics.

RESULTS: Missing information after applying the translated PFBQ did not exceed 4% of any questions. Total scores between control and PFD women were significantly different (2.94 ± 1.84 vs. 10.29 ± 6.64; P < 0.001). The CVI for all items ranged from 0.800 to 1.000, and a good reliability was corroborated (α = 0.677, ICC = 0.938).

CONCLUSION: The Chinese PFBQ version is a valid and reliable tool to identify the existence and severity of bothersome symptoms in Chinese women with PFD.