ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: There is no comprehensive and specific questionnaire translated, adapted and validated in the Polish language for evaluating symptoms, quality of life and complications associated with the neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt and validate a Polish version of the Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score (NBSS) for patients who experience NLUTD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Standardised guidelines and well-established methods were used for translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the NBSS. Adult patients with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury completed the NBSS, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the SF-Qualiveen. Responses were recorded twice within a 14-day period. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-four Polish-speaking patients with NLUTD were included in the study. Content validity was optimal. Significant relationships between NBSS (Incontinence) and ICIQ-SF, NBSS (Storage and Voiding) and IPSS, and NBSS (Quality of Life) and SF-Qualiveen confirmed good construct/criterion validity. An intercorrelation study revealed that internal consistency was good for the total NBSS and specific domains (Cronbach's alpha >0.7). Test-retest reliability (reproducibility) demonstrated strong stability (intra-class correlation coefficients >0.7 for the total NBSS). No ceiling or floor effects were present. CONCLUSIONS: The Polish NBSS demonstrated good measurement properties for a large cohort of patients with NLUTD. It is a suitable tool to assess NLUTD symptoms, consequences and quality of life. The Polish NBSS will support routine clinical practice of all types of physicians in Poland who care for patients with NLUTD.