Design and validation of a scale for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction secondary to spinal cord injury

Background: Spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (SCI-NLUTD) tends to be accompanied by bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and psychological disorders. To date, a convenient and concise tool for the comprehensive assessment of these symptoms in patients with SCI-NLUTD has been lacking. Objective: This study aimed to design and evaluate a comprehensive patient-reported outcome measuring system for SCI-NLUTD patients to facilitate patient follow-up and treatment. Methods: A draft questionnaire was designed based on a review of the literature and input from patients and experts, and was refined using the Delphi method. The scale was administered to 185 patients with SCI-NLUTD. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and test–retest reliability coefficients, while validity was evaluated through exploratory factor analysis, and in terms of content validity index, content validity ratio, and kappa statistics. Results: The final SCI-NLUTD scale includes 7 domains, 23 items, and 1 item assessing urination pattern. It demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.775) and test–retest reliability (0.731–0.998). Validity was confirmed (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin = 0.784, content validity index ≥0.89, content validity ratio ≥0.78, and kappa statistics ≥0.89). Results were visualized using radar charts to facilitate clearer tracking of symptom profiles. Conclusion: The SCI-NLUTD scale is a reliable, valid, and convenient tool for comprehensive assessment of SCI-NLUTD symptoms, aiding in treatment planning and monitoring patients’ quality of life.