Validation of Korean Version of International Prostate Symptom Score: a Comparison of Physician versus Self-administration / 대한남성과학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS) is the most commonly used scoring system to evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms(LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH). A Korean translation of the IPSS, however, has never been clearly confirmed to assess LUTS accurately. The objective of this study was to measure differences in the Korean-language IPSS when administered by the patient versus the physician, and to evaluate causes of the differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred-thirteen patients with symptomatic BPH completed 3 consecutive IPSS questionnaires, one self-administered at the first visit, the second self-administered at the next visit, and the last by a physician interview just after the second self-administration. We compared differences in the symptom scores between the each of the 3 administrations. In addition, the effect of age and education on the scores was analysed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the IPSS between the first and the second self-administration. However, physician-administered scores were significantly lower than the two self-administrations(p <0.01) for all questions except #5 regarding urinary stream. The difference in the score was higher in patients whose LUTS were more severe(p <0.01). Age and education did not affect the scores. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant difference in the IPSS between patient and physician administration, suggesting a need for revision of the Korean version of IPSS.