Translation and Validation of the Intermittent Catheterization Difficulty Questionnaire (ICDQ) into Greek

PURPOSE: Clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) is a safe and effective alternative to managing incomplete bladder emptying in patients afflicted with neurogenic bladder conditions. The Intermittent Catheterisation Difficulty Questionnaire (ICDQ) is a validated questionnaire concerning the assessment of catheter use and patient difficulties during CISC. The present study aimed to translate and validate the ICDQ into the Greek language. A subsequent outcome was to substantiate the requirement of both urologist consultation with patients undergoing CISC and the detailed evaluation of various therapeutic options with the consultation of other specialist physicians. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was undertaken between March 2022 and July 2022 and involved patients in an outpatient department of a Rehabilitation Centre. Sixty-two neurologic patients suffering from spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple sclerosis (MS), cauda equina (CE), and myelitis represented a convenience sample. To calculate test-retest reliability, patients filled out two consecutive questionnaires; an initial one and a second after one week. The socio and demographic circumstances of all participants were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean ICDQ total score at the test and retest was 5.96±1.28 (mean total score ± standard deviation) and 5.91±1.29, respectively. Evaluation of the data concerning alterations between men and women did not reveal statistically significant differences. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.94, which proves the inter-correlation between the different topics. An ICC of 0.97 indicated very high intra-rater reliability. CONCLUSION: ICDQ, a valid and reliable self-administered screening tool for CISC difficulties faced by patients using this procedure regularly, was successfully translated and validated into Greek. A more detailed evaluation and understanding of these difficulties would enhance the quality of CISC and allow for more suitable treatment and the selection of catheter types used. These improved treatment strategies are possible as repeated use and constant comparison of ICDQ scores determine treatment impact, facilitating treatment regimen modification, should it be required.