The Korean Version of NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH- CPSI): Validation Study and Characteristics on Chronic Prostatitis

Chong, Chang Ho; Ryu, Dong Soo; Oh, Tae Hee

Abstract

PURPOSE: Chronic prostatitis is clinically defined by symptoms consisting of pain, voiding complaints and sexual dysfunction. Determination of the severity and progression over time of the disease and an evaluation of the results of various therapies may be best assessed and monitored by a valid and reliable symptom scoring instruments. We evaluated the reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Korean version of NIH-CPSI and the characteristics of symptom index on chronic prostatitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
All patients underwent a complete clinical evaluation and completed the Korean version of NIH-CPSI. The reliability of CPSI was examined by test-retest reliability and internal consistency for 41 chronic prostatitis patients. And the results in chronic prostatitis group were compared with those in 2 groups including 36 benign prostate hyperplasia patients and 46 healthy men. In 41 chronic prostatitis group including 28 IIIA and 13 IIIB patients, CPSI was reassessed after 6 weeks treatment and compared with those of pretreatment state.
RESULTS
The Korean version of NIH-CPSI had excellent test-retest reliability (r=0.76 to 0.95) and high internal consistency (Crobach's alpha=0.86 to 0.97) during a 1 week period. The symptom score had significant difference in the each items and domains between chronic prostatitis and healthy control subjects (p<0.05). And the symptom score of each domains was sensitive to change with decreasing score after treatment (p<0.01). Chronic prostatitis had higher score of pain domain and BPH had higher score of urinary symptom domain. But the score of QOL domain was similar in both group.
CONCLUSIONS
The NIH-CPSI is clinically reliable, valid, and responsive means of capturing the symptoms and impact of chronic prostatitis. It may be useful in clinical diagnosis and treatment of chronic prostatitis.