Prospective Italian validation of the Vaizey and Wexner and fecal incontinence severity index (FISI) questionnaires

Several objective severity measurement questionnaires of the fecal incontinence (FI), are available to describe type, frequency and degree of FI, and their impact on quality of life, aiming to establish baseline scores measure response to treatment over time and allow comparison among patients treated using different strategies. Presently, despite their widespread use in clinical practice, none of these questionnaire have been validated in the Italian language. The aim is to test the translated Italian version of the Vaizey and Wexner and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) questionnaires assessing their reliability and validity among Italian-speaking patients. Two researchers proficient in spoken English and Italian translated both questionnaires in the Italian language. They independently translated the two questionnaires from English and then they met to produce a single version of the two questionnaires, to solve any possible discrepancy. A forward-backward translation was then obtained by a professional bilingual translator, so as to define the final version of the questionnaires. The questionnaires were independently administered twice to 100 Italian-speaking patients by two different and independent raters. Cronbach's & alpha; of the first and second Vaizey and Wexner questionnaire was 0.755 and 0.727, respectively. While Cronbach's & alpha; of the first and second FISI questionnaire was 0.810 and 0.806, respectively. Spearman correlation and inter-rater reliability were 0.937 and 0.913 for Vaizey and Wexner questionnaire, respectively, and 0.915 and 0.871 for FISI questionnaire, respectively. Italian version of the Vaizey and Wexner and FISI questionnaires proved good consistency, reliability, reproducibility, showing good psychometric properties.

Automated summary

This study aimed to test the translated Italian version of the Vaizey and Wexner and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) questionnaires among Italian-speaking patients. The questionnaires were independently translated and then back-translated to produce the final versions. The questionnaires were administered twice to 100 Italian-speaking patients, and the results showed good consistency, reliability, and reproducibility for both questionnaires.