The Chinese Linguistic Validation of the Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire

Abstract

Objective: We validated the Chinese version of the Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) in patients with an indwelling ureteric stent. Patients and Methods: The English version of the USSQ was translated into Chinese using a multi-step process by 3 urologists and 2 independent translators. The Chinese version was validated by asking 50 patients with temporary unilateral ureteral stent to complete the questionnaire at weeks 1 and 4 after stent placement. Thirty healthy individuals without a ureteral stent were also asked to complete the Chinese USSQ once. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were analyzed. Results: After revision of the initial 2 drafts after translation, back translation, and pilot testing, a final draft was developed that underwent field testing. Psychometric analyses revealed satisfactory internal consistencies and test-retest reliability for all domains except for sexual matters. Most USSQ domains showed moderate correlations with each other. It demonstrated satisfactory discriminant validity (sensitivity to change, p < 0.05) and test-retest reliability. Analysis of the domains of the sexual matters was limited because of the small proportion of the study population for whom it was applicable. Conclusion: The Chinese version of the USSQ is a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate symptoms and health-related quality of life in Chinese patients with ureteric stents.