E-Posters-10155

10155_Rogers

Pdf Summary

The study aimed to create a validated measure of accidental bowel leakage (ABL) symptoms, as current questionnaires lack important patient-centered symptoms. The researchers developed a conceptual framework capturing various ABL outcomes through qualitative methods. This framework included bowel leakage type, severity, bother, and ancillary bowel symptoms such as predictability, awareness, leakage control, emptying disorders, and discomfort. The study was conducted in outpatient clinics with women who experienced at least monthly ABL. Participants completed the Accidental Bowel Leakage Evaluation questionnaire at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks, along with bowel diaries and other validated pelvic floor questionnaires. The final item selection was based on psychometric properties and clinical importance.<br /><br />A total of 299 women completed the baseline items, with 71 providing test-retest data. The questionnaire demonstrated good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Construct validity was demonstrated through correlations with similar measures. The final 18-item scale correlated with other validated measures of ABL and had good psychometric properties. The study population consisted mainly of Non-Hispanic White middle-aged women.<br /><br />The Accidental Bowel Leakage Evaluation (ABLE) instrument improved on currently available measures by including patient-important domains of predictability, awareness, control, emptying, and discomfort. ABL is a prevalent condition that significantly affects patient quality of life, leading to embarrassment, social isolation, and depression. The ABLE questionnaire provides a reliable and patient-centered measure for assessing ABL symptoms, enhancing clinical evaluation and treatment for women with ABL.

Keywords

Accidental Bowel Leakage

ABL symptoms

validated measure

patient-centered symptoms

predictability

awareness

leakage control

discomfort

psychometric properties

clinical evaluation