Validation of the Arabic linguistic version of the 8-item overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-V8)

This study aimed to translate and validate the 8-item overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-V8).

Utilizing a multistep process, the English version of the OAB-V8 was translated into Arabic by three urologists and one independent translator. It was validated by asking 46 patients with overactive bladder and 58 healthy individuals to complete the questionnaire. Healthy individuals were involved in establishing the discrimination validity. The scores of both groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. The reliability of the Arabic version was evaluated utilizing Cronbach's alpha test for internal consistency. Spearman's correlation coefficient (r) was utilized to evaluate the domain structures and the inter-domain associations.

Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.923). There were good correlations among frequency, urgency, sudden urge to urinate, waking up at night to urinate and uncontrollable urge to urinate. There were weak or no correlations among urge, incontinence and nocturia. For discrimination validity, there were significant changes in all domain scores when comparing patients with ureteric stents and healthy individuals (P < 0.001).

The Arabic version of the OAB-V8 proved to be a reliable and valid tool, which can be easily utilized to evaluate symptoms in Arabic patients. It is feasible in evaluating quality of life in relation to this disorder, as patients are able to demonstrate their symptoms accurately with the comfort of their first language, Arabic.