A scored form of the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire: data from a randomized controlled trial of surgery for women with stress incontinence

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Jul;191(1):73-82. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2003.12.027.

Abstract

Objective: Lower urinary tract symptoms are common among older women. The Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS) questionnaire was designed to assess a wide range of symptoms, including incontinence, and impact on sexual function and quality of life. This paper describes development and validation of a scored form BFLUTS questionnaire.

Study design: Baseline and 6-month follow-up data from a randomized trial compared tension-free vaginal tape with colposuspension for 344 women with urodynamically proven stress incontinence. Problematic and responsive items were identified and subjected to factor analysis to develop a scoring system.

Results: Three domains were identified to assess symptoms: incontinence (5 items); voiding (3 items); and filling (4 items); with additional subscales for sexual function (2 items) and quality of life (5 items). All scales have simple additive scores.

Conclusion: A scored form of the BFLUTS questionnaire is now available and should be useful in research and clinical practice in urology and gynecology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Health Status Indicators*
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress / surgery*