The minimum important difference for the Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gynecology
• Sexual Health

Background:

• The Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ) is a key tool for assessing female sexual function.
• The minimum important difference (MID) for the PISQ is not well-established, hindering clinical interpretation of score changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the minimum important difference (MID) for the PISQ total score.
• To provide a benchmark for clinically meaningful changes in female sexual function.

Main Methods:

• Anchor-based and distribution-based methods were used to estimate the MID.
• Two cohorts were analyzed: women with overactive bladder (OAB) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) (cohort I), and women treated surgically for pelvic organ prolapse and/or UI (cohort II).
• Validated questionnaires and patient diaries served as anchors.

Main Results:

• Anchor-based analysis yielded MIDs ranging from 5 to 9 points in cohort I and 7 points in cohort II.
• Distribution-based analyses suggested MIDs of 5.3 points (cohort I) and 5.8 points (cohort II).
• A consensus MID of 6 points for the PISQ total score was determined.

Conclusions:

• A 6-point change in the PISQ total score is proposed as a clinically important difference.
• This finding aids clinicians in interpreting PISQ scores and guiding treatment decisions for female sexual dysfunction.