Introduction and hypothesis: The aims of this study are (1) to assess the reliability (test-retest) of the Urgency Severity and Life Impact Questionnaire (USIQ) and (2) to test the effect of extended-release tolterodine on symptoms of urinary urgency using this validated instrument.
Methods: To measure reliability, women with overactive bladder (OAB) completed the USIQ on two separate occasions, prior to treatment for OAB. To assess the responsiveness, the USIQ participants completed the above-mentioned questionnaires prior to and following 4 weeks of treatment for OAB with extended-release tolterodine.
Results: USIQ-S and USIQ-QoL scores at the two visits did not differ significantly. Repeated measures of USIQ-S and USIQ-QoL demonstrated a moderate to excellent intraclass correlation coefficient (0.64-0.74; P < 0.0001 and 0.48-0.91, P < 0.0001, respectively). A significant decrease in mean USIQ-S and USIQ-QOL (71 ± 14 vs. 44 ± 19, P < 0.0001 and 51 ± 22 vs. 39 ± 10, P < 0.01, respectively) scores following treatment with tolterodine.
Conclusions: This valid, reliable measure can be used in clinical practice and research trials to measure urgency severity.