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World Journal of Urology

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01-06-2014 | Original Article

The Integral Theory System Questionnaire: an anatomically directed questionnaire to determine pelvic floor dysfunctions in women

Authors: Florian Martin Erich Wagenlehner, Oliver Fröhlich, Thomas Bschleipfer, Wolfgang Weidner, Gianpaolo Perletti

Published in: World Journal of Urology | Issue 3/2014

Abstract

Purpose

Anatomical damage to pelvic floor structures may cause multiple symptoms. The Integral Theory System Questionnaire (ITSQ) is a holistic questionnaire that uses symptoms to help locate damage in specific connective tissue structures as a guide to reconstructive surgery. It is based on the integral theory, which states that pelvic floor symptoms and prolapse are both caused by lax suspensory ligaments. The aim of the present study was to psychometrically validate the ITSQ.

Materials and methods

Established psychometric properties including validity, reliability, and responsiveness were considered for evaluation. Criterion validity was assessed in a cohort of 110 women with pelvic floor dysfunctions by analyzing the correlation of questionnaire responses with objective clinical data. Test–retest was performed with questionnaires from 47 patients. Cronbach’s alpha and “split-half” reliability coefficients were calculated for inner consistency analysis.

Results

Psychometric properties of ITSQ were comparable to the ones of previously validated Pelvic Floor Questionnaires. Face validity and content validity were approved by an expert group of the International Collaboration of Pelvic Floor surgeons. Convergent validity assessed using Bayesian method was at least as accurate as the expert assessment of anatomical defects. Objective data measurement in patients demonstrated significant correlations with ITSQ domains fulfilling criterion validity. Internal consistency values ranked from 0.85 to 0.89 in different scenarios.

Conclusions

The ITSQ proofed accurate and is able to serve as a holistic Pelvic Floor Questionnaire directing symptoms to site-specific pelvic floor reconstructive surgery.

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Title: The Integral Theory System Questionnaire: an anatomically directed questionnaire to determine pelvic floor dysfunctions in women
Authors: Florian Martin Erich Wagenlehner
Oliver Fröhlich
Thomas Bschleipfer
Wolfgang Weidner
Gianpaolo Perletti
Publication date: 01-06-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: World Journal of Urology / Issue 3/2014
Print ISSN: 0724-4983
Electronic ISSN: 1433-8726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-013-1150-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The Integral Theory System Questionnaire: an anatomically directed questionnaire to determine pelvic floor dysfunctions in women

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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