Spanish version of the ICIQ-Bowel questionnaire among colorectal cancer patients: Construct and criterion validity

Abstract

Abstract Bowel complaints are very common among patients with colorectal cancer. This study aimed to examine construct and criterion validity, as well as internal consistency, of the Chilean Version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Bowel Module (ICIQ-B) among people with colorectal cancer. Cross-sectional, validation study performed with 106 colorectal cancer patients from Hospital del Salvador, Chile. Bowel function was assessed with the ICIQ-B. Specific items of a quality-of-life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-CR29) were used to correlate with similar ICIQ-B items for criterion validity. Construct validity was assessed with exploratory factor analysis and hypothesis testing. For internal consistency, Cronbach’s alpha was computed. The exploratory factor analysis resulted in three factors that accounted for 74.26% of the total variance: bowel control (59.69%), bowel pattern (7.98%) and quality of life (6.59%). Rectal cancer patients showed worse bowel pattern (p = 0.001), bowel control (p = 0.001) and quality of life (p < 0.001) scores compared to colon cancer patients. There was no significant difference between men and women regarding bowel function. Regarding criterion validity, the ICIQ-B items showed a significant correlation with similar QLQ-CR29 items. Considering that this questionnaire appraises bowel function in more depth, it is recommended for use in clinical practice and research with colorectal cancer patients.