[Development of a linguistically validated French version of two short-form, condition-specific quality of life questionnaires for women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7)].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work was to develop a linguistically validated French version of two short-form questionnaires on symptoms and quality of life in female patients with pelvic floor disorders (PFDI-20, PFIQ-7), originally developed and psychometrically validated in English.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: French versions of the short form Pelvic Floor Disorder Inventory (PFDI-20) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) were developed after two independent forward translations (English-French), one back translation (French-English), a review by French clinicians and patient testing on a sample of patients with pelvic floor disorders. This linguistic validation process was led in collaboration with Mapi Research Institute and the author of the original English version, Dr Matthew Barber, and sponsored by Coloplast.

RESULTS: These two self-administered questionnaires are completed by patients without a medical presence. They cover urinary, colo-recto-anal and pelvic/vaginal symptoms related to pelvic floor disorders. Psychometric evaluation of the original US English questionnaires found a good correlation between answers provided and clinical symptoms leading the patient to seek medical attention. Their main advantage is their ease of interpretation through the use of a numeric score. Linguistic validation does not consist in translating original questionnaires literally, but rather in developing conceptually equivalent and culturally appropriate versions adapted to the target country. These questionnaires are invaluable instruments to evaluate functional aspects of various forms of pelvic organ prolapse.

CONCLUSION: The French versions of the PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 are the first linguistically validated instruments available in French to evaluate symptoms and quality of life in patients with pelvic floor disorders.