[Evaluation of quality of life in anal incontinence: validation of the questionnaire FIQL (Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life)].

BACKGROUND Anal incontinence causes physical and psychological incapacity, determining impact on quality of life. However, there are no specific tools to quantify this impact in our population. AIM The evaluation of quality of life in anal incontinence, through validation of the FIQL ("Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale"). FIQL is a questionnaire composed of 29 questions, grouped into four domains: lifestyle, behavior, depression and embarrassment. For each question, the scale ranges from 1 to 4, except questions 1 and 4, which ranges from 1-5 and 1-6, respectively. MATERIAL AND METHOD FIQL scale underwent both translation and cultural adaptation processes, giving rise to a final Portuguese version. This version was then used in a validation study to test measurement properties (reproducibility and validity). The reproducibility was tested through application of FIQL questionnaire by two observers in 50 patients with anal incontinence. After a period of 7 to 10 days, the questionnaire was applied again by one of the observers. The constructive validity was assessed by correlating the FIQL questionnaire results with both, a generic questionnaire for quality of life (SF-36) and the Jorge-Wexner incontinence score results. The discriminative validity was evaluated comparing the results of the FIQL to incontinence group with two other groups: healthy volunteers and patient with chronic idiopathic constipation. RESULTS The correlation among results domains of FIQL questionnaire and results of short form-36 and the incontinence score were statistically significant. The quality of life is impaired in all of domains of FIQL for incontinent patients: lifestyle: 2.4 behaviour: 2.0, depression: 2.5 and embarrassment: 1.9, when compared to healthy volunteers (3.9, 3.9, 4.1 and 4.0), and patients with chronic constipation (3.7, 3.8, 3.6 and 3.8), respectively. CONCLUSION The FIQL questionnaire is effective and reproducible in its measuring properties, and it can be useful as an instrument to assess quality of life in anal incontinence in our population.