Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) significantly impact women’s quality of life (QOL)[1]. The Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) is a widely used tool to assess this impact [2]. However, no validated Urdu version exists, limiting its utility in clinical and research settings. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the PFIQ-7 for Urdu-speaking women, ensuring its reliability and validity for assessing PFD-related QOL impairments.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases: (1) linguistic validation and cultural adaptation of the PFIQ-7 into Urdu, and (2) assessment of its psychometric properties. Following standardized translation protocols,[3] forward-backward translation, expert panel reviews, and pilot testing were performed to ensure linguistic equivalence. A total of 116 Urdu-literate women participated, including 97 with PFDs and 11 without. The final Urdu version of the PFIQ-7 was assessed for reliability (Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC]) and validity (content, criterion, and construct validity). The Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC) evaluated the relationship between PFIQ-7 scores and pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) staging. Known-group comparisons were used for construct validity. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

The Urdu PFIQ-7 demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.884) and strong test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.995). Criterion validity was confirmed, with a significant correlation between PFIQ-7 scores and POP-Q findings (SCC = 0.67; p = 0.005). Construct validity was supported as patients with higher POP-Q stages and urinary incontinence had significantly higher PFIQ-7 scores than asymptomatic participants (p < 0.0005). Pilot testing confirmed the questionnaire’s clarity, cultural relevance, and feasibility, with an average completion time of five minutes

The Urdu PFIQ-7 is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the impact of PFDs on QOL. Its psychometric performance aligns with validated versions in other languages. The strong correlation with clinical severity supports its applicability for screening, monitoring treatment outcomes, and guiding patient management in Urdu-speaking populations.

The validated Urdu PFIQ-7 is a robust, culturally relevant tool for assessing PFD-related QOL impairments. Its integration into clinical practice and research will enhance patient-centered care and facilitate cross-cultural comparisons in urogynecology. Future studies should explore its utility in rural and community-based settings for broader applicability

Imoto A, Sarker M, Akter R, Matsuyama A, Honda S. Health-related quality of life in parous women with pelvic organ prolapse and/or urinary incontinence in Bangladesh. International Urogynecology Journal. 2021;32:887-95.
Barber M, Walters M, Bump R. Short forms of two condition-specific quality-of-life questionnaires for women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7). American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 2005;193(1):103-13.
Meadows K. Cross-cultural issues: an outline of the important principles in establishing cross-cultural validity in health outcome assessment. Cross cultural health outcome assessment. 1997.