Internal structure and classification of pelvic floor dysfunction distress by PFDI-20 total score

Abstract

Plain English summary There are limitations regarding the meaning of the total score of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) in clinical practice and scientific research. Thus, the aims of this study were to evaluate the internal structure (structural validity and internal consistency) and propose a classification for the distress caused by the presence of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) symptoms from the total score of PFDI-20. Cross-sectional study conducted with Brazilian women over 18 years of age. Data from 237 women (49.62 ± 16.95 years) were analyzed. The PFDI-20 has one-dimensional structure and the distress caused by the presence of PFD symptoms can be classified as mild, moderate and severe.

Keywords

• Validation study
• Patient-reported outcome measures
• Pelvic floor disorders
• Women