Psychometric validation of the English version of the overactive bladder symptom score

To assess the psychometric properties of the English version of the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) among overactive bladder (OAB) patients in the United States.

The reliability and validity of the OABSS were examined using data collected online from OAB patients residing in the United States.

A total of 199 patients responded to the first questionnaire administration. Of those, 149 completed the second questionnaire. The results of the reliability assessment indicated that the intraclass correlation coefficient of the total OABSS score was 0.74 (weighted kappa coefficients of individual item score, 0.55-0.84) and that the Cronbach α coefficient was 0.56. In the analysis of the validity, the OABSS total score was correlated with all the external criteria (symptom bother of the overactive bladder questionnaire, patient perception of bladder condition, and International Prostate Symptom Score) to a moderate to strong degree. The results of known-group validity showed that the OABSS score tended to increase as the symptom severity increased (trend test; P<.0001).

The present study demonstrated the reliability and validity of the English version of the OABSS. It is expected that the English version of the OABSS will be useful in clinical studies and medical practice among English-speaking OAB patients.