Urdu translation and validation of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Sexual Matters Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module (ICIQ-FLUTS sex)

Objectives: Women all over the world suffer from urinary incontinence (UI). Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) frequently coexists with UI, which has a detrimental effect on female sexual function and frequently results in decreased desire, satisfaction, and emotional difficulties. While the ICIQ-FLUTS measures urine symptoms and the FSFI evaluates women’s sexual function, there isn’t an Urdu-validated test for UI-related sexual challenges. Our objective was to assess the validity, reliability, and internal consistency of the ICIQ-FLUTS sex for the Pakistani population, providing a clinically valuable tool for Pakistan. Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from 1st June 2024 to 15th October 2024, 58 sexually active women with UI were recruited through convenience sampling. The study involved translating the ICIQ-FLUTS sex into Urdu and evaluating its psychometric properties. Data were collected using sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires, ICIQ-UI SF, and the adapted Urdu ICIQ-FLUTS sex. Test-retest reliability was measured over two weeks. Results: Participants’ average age was 42.93±8.645 years, with most being multiparous (81%) and having had spontaneous vaginal deliveries (67%). UI types included urgency (27.6%), stress (32.8%), and mixed (39.7%). The ICIQ-FLUTS sex demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.695), excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.998) and content validity index of 1 was calculated. Concurrent validity showed a weak correlation (0.253) between ICIQ-FLUTS sex and ICIQ-UI scores. Conclusions: The Urdu version of ICIQ-FLUTS sex showed excellent reliability and content validity, satisfactory internal consistency, and acceptable psychometric properties and can be applied as a clinical assessment tool and for purposes of research to evaluate sexual problems associated with UI in Pakistan.