Aqua: A new questionnaire assessing anticholinergic side effects in neurogenic population (Aqua: Anticholinergic side effects questionnaire)

Aims: Validate a new questionnaire to assess the side effects secondary to anticholinergics in neurogenic population suffering from Adult neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (ANLUTD).

Methods: We conducted a prospective, monocentric study in a Neuro-urology Department of a University Hospital between February 2015 and April 2020. To allow a full psychometric validation of a questionnaire, the study protocol included 3 steps: qualitative interviews, feasibility study and validation study. The primary outcome was good psychometric properties defined with good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's α>0.7) and good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)>0.7).

Results: we included 64 patients with ANLUTD secondary to neurogenic disorders. Feasibility study demonstrate very good acceptation and comprehension for 97% of patients. Validation study showed good internal consistency with Cronbach's α=0,69 and very good ICC=0,73. AQUA is composed with 8 items scoring 0 (no side effect) to 2 (major side effect) for a total score between 0 to 16. Time to fulfill is very quick. Mean score in our population was 4,1 (sd 2,9).

Conclusion: AQUA is the first validated tool to assess side effects secondary to antimuscarinic treatment for neurogenic population suffering from ANLUTD.

Level of proof: 2.