Article

The American Urological Association Symptom Index for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Michael J. BarryDepartments of Urology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WisconsinFloyd J. FowlerDepartments of Urology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WisconsinMichael P. O’LearyDepartments of Urology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WisconsinReginald C. BruskewitzDepartments of Urology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WisconsinH. Logan HoltgreweDepartments of Urology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WisconsinWinston K. MebustDepartments of Urology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WisconsinAbraham T.�K. CockettDepartments of Urology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, Wisconsin

1992en

ABI

Abstract

A symptom index for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was developed and validated by a multidisciplinary measurement committee of the American Urological Association (AUA). Validation studies were conducted involving a total of 210 BPH patients and 108 control subjects. The final AUA symptom index includes 7 questions covering frequency, nocturia, weak urinary stream, hesitancy, intermittence, incomplete emptying and urgency. On revalidation, the index was internally consistent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86) and the score generated had excellent test-retest reliability (r = 0.92). Scores were highly correlated with subjects' global ratings of the magnitude of their urinary problem (r = 0.65 to 0.72) and powerfully discriminated between BPH and control subjects (receiver operating characteristic area 0.85). Finally, the index was sensitive to change, with preoperative scores decreasing from a mean of 17.6 to 7.1 by 4 weeks after prostatectomy (p < 0.001). The AUA symptom index is clinically sensible, reliable, valid and responsive. It is practical for use in practice and for inclusion in research protocols.

Identifiers

DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)36966-5

Citations and references

Cited by 20 references

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