Assessing the reliability and validity of a urinary incontinence scale after radical prostatectomy

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a major complication after a radical prostatectomy and this problem can last for over a year after surgery. There is a need for valid research instruments to assess the extent of this problem. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of a urinary incontinence scale after radical prostatectomy (UISRP). Psychometric testing of the UISRP using a sample of 124 patients who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergone radical prostatectomy was conducted to determine the quality of items, internal consistency reliability, test–retest reliability, construct validity and criterion‐related validity. The final sample consisted of 102 patients (92·7%) in the data analysis. The results indicated that one factor was identified that accounted for 60·28% of the explained variance. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0·90. Two‐week test–retest reliability (ICC = 0·56; 95% CI = 0·26–0·72) was provided. Criterion‐related validity was supported by correlation with the University of California, Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index urinary function subscale (r = 0·74, p < 0·001) and a criterion variable measuring a 1‐h pad test (r = 0·58, p < 0·001. The UISRP displays satisfactory reliability and validity for radical prostatectomy patients. The UISRP is a valuable research measure and can identify priority areas for nursing interventions designed to improve prostatectomy patients' outcomes.