Use of Spanish-Validated Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Urogynecology

Latinas experience pelvic floor disorders at disproportionately high rates yet remain underrepresented in urogynecologic research. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are central to urogynecologic research, but their lack of bilingual validation or use may present a barrier to inclusion for Spanish-speaking participants.

The objectives of this study were to quantify the availability and use of PROMs validated in both English and Spanish in urogynecologic research and to evaluate their association with Latina representation.

We conducted a retrospective review of all studies published in Urogynecology from April 2020 to March 2024 that were performed in the United States and included at least 1 PROMs. Validation status was determined by a structured literature search. Representation quotients were used to assess proportional inclusion of Hispanic/Latina participants. We compared studies exclusively using bilingually validated instruments with those that did not and separately analyzed studies explicitly reporting administration of both English and Spanish versions.

Among 123 eligible studies, 98 unique PROMs were identified, 64 (65%) of which were known to be validated in Spanish. Across all instances of use, PROMs that were bilingually validated made up 85% of the measures used, although only 9 studies (7%) explicitly reported use of Spanish versions. Studies reporting use of Spanish versions achieved a representation quotient of 0.95, compared with 0.63 for studies that didn't (P=0.002).

Most urogynecologic PROMs are validated in Spanish, but Spanish versions are underutilized. Administering both English and Spanish PROMs is associated with more adequate Latina representation, highlighting their importance for inclusive research practices.