Clinical correlates in patients not completing a voiding diary

Our objective was to determine whether voiding diary non-compliance was an important clinical predictor for the absence of urinary symptoms. History questionnaires and voiding diaries are mailed to all patients before initial visits. The study included 349 patients capable of filling out the history questionnaire and voiding diary prior to their initial visit. The control group (n = 261) consisted of patients who filled out both forms. The study group (n = 88) consisted of patients who filled out their history questionnaire yet left their voiding diary blank. Study variables were extracted by chart review to determine the clinical significance of non-compliance with voiding diary completion. Non-Caucasian patients were less likely to complete their diary (P = 0.008). Patients presenting for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (no urinary symptoms) were also less likely to complete their diary (P = 0.01, OR 0.41, 0.20-0.85). These patients should be counseled about the importance of the voiding diary in validating urinary symptoms. Urodynamic diagnosis were similar in patients considering surgical correction of pelvic organ prolapse, independent of diary non-compliance.