Assessment of Arabic LURN SI-10 Questionnaire for LUT Dysfunction Validity and Reliability

Overview

This study evaluated the Arabic translation of the LURN SI-10 questionnaire for assessing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The Arabic version demonstrated good reliability with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.8 and showed significant correlations with established IPSS and ICIQ-OAB questionnaires, supporting its validity.

Background

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) negatively impact quality of life and mental health. Commonly used tools like IPSS and ICIQ-OAB have limitations in assessing the full spectrum of LUTS, including urinary incontinence and post-micturition symptoms. The LURN SI-10 questionnaire was developed to comprehensively assess major LUTS domains in both men and women. The European Association of Urology recommends LURN SI-10 for clinical use due to its broad symptom coverage and strong correlation with IPSS. However, no prior validation of the Arabic version existed before this study.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• The Arabic LURN SI-10 showed good internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.8, exceeding the reliability threshold of 0.7.
• All subdomains of the questionnaire demonstrated Cronbach’s alpha values greater than 0.7, indicating reliable measurement across symptom categories.
• Significant low to moderate positive correlations were found between bladder pain and urgency domains (r = 0.25 to <0.5, p < 0.001), supporting internal consistency.
• Positive correlations were observed between delay, weak stream, post-void dribbling, frequency, urgency, bladder pain, and symptom bother domains, indicating construct validity.
• Concurrent validity was supported by significant correlations of LURN SI-10 scores with IPSS and ICIQ-OAB scores.

Clinical Implications

The validated Arabic LURN SI-10 questionnaire provides clinicians with a reliable and comprehensive tool to assess a broad range of LUTS, including symptoms not covered by IPSS or ICIQ-OAB. Its use can improve symptom evaluation and patient management in Arabic-speaking populations. Incorporation of this tool may enhance clinical decision-making and treatment outcome monitoring.

Conclusion

The Arabic version of the LURN SI-10 questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing lower urinary tract symptoms in Arabic-speaking patients. It offers a comprehensive symptom evaluation that complements existing tools.

References

1. Eremenco et al. 2017 -- PRO Consortium Translation Process Guidelines
2. European Association of Urology 2024 -- Guidelines on LUTS
3. LURN Research Network 2019 -- Development of LURN SI-29 and SI-10
4. Coyne et al. 2012 -- ICIQ-OAB Validation
5. Barry et al. 1993 -- IPSS Development and Validation