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| MS Litwin; Los Angeles, CA; M McNaughton-Collins; FL Fowler Jr.; Boston, MA; JC Nickel; Kingston, ON; EA Calhoun; Chicago, IL; MA Pontari; Philadelphia, PA; RB Alexander; Baltimore, MD; JT Farrar; Philadelphia, PA; MP O'Leary; Boston, MA and the Chronic Prostatitis Collaborative Research Network (Presented by Dr. Litwin) | ||
| Link to the index | ||
| Introduction and Objectives: | ||
| Chronic abacterial prostatitis is a common, bothersome syndrome in men which is poorly defined, poorly understood, and poorly treated. Research and clinical efforts to help these men have been hampered by the absence of a widely accepted measure of symptoms and quality of life impact. We sought to remedy this problem by developing a reliable, valid index of symptoms and quality of life impact in men with chronic prostatitis. | ||
| Methods: | ||
| We performed a structured literature view for previous work that would provide a foundation for the new instrument. Subsequently, we conducted a series of focus groups with chronic prostatitis patients at 4 centers in North America, in which we identified the most important symptoms and impacts of the condition. Results of the literature review and focus groups were used to create an initial draft of 55 questions. This draft underwent formal cognitive testing with chronic prostatitis patients in the same centers. After expert panel review, a revised 21-item draft then underwent formal validation testing in a diverse group of men with chronic prostatitis and in 2 control groups - (men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and healthy men). Based on this validation study, the Index was finalized. | ||
| Results: | ||
| Analyses yielded a final index of 9 items that address 4 different aspects of the chronic prostatitis experience. The primary component is pain, captured in 4 items that focus on location, severity, and frequency. Urinary function, another important component of patients' symptoms is captured in 2 items - 1 irritative and 1 obstructive. Impact and overall quality of life are captured with 3 additional items that ask about the effect of symptoms on daily activities. The 9 items have high test-retest reliability (r=0.86-0.92) and internal consistency (=0.82-0.91). All but the urinary items discriminate well between men with and without chronic prostatitis. | ||
| Conclusions: | ||
| The National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptoms Index (NIH-CPSI) provides a valid outcome measure for men with chronic prostatitis. It is psychometrically robust, easily self-administered, and highly discriminative. The Index may be useful in clinical practice as well as research protocols. | ||
| Source: 1999 AUA Meeting | ||
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| This information is forwarded to you by the Prostatitis Foundation. We do not provide medical advice. We distribute literature and information relevant to prostatitis. While we encourage all research we do not endorse any doctor, medicine or treatment protocol. Consult with your own physician. | ||
| © 2002 The Prostatitis Foundation | ||
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