Vittaya JIRAANANKUL, Phatsinee LIKITPANPISIT, Thanisorn PATTANASUWON, Weerayut WIRIYABANDITKUL, Sarayut KANJANATARAYON, Nattapong BINSRI, Satit SIRIBOONRID
Urology Research & Practice - 2026;52(2026):1-7
Objective: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) impose a significant burden on quality of life. Currently, no validated Thai version of the Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network Symptom Index-29 (LURN SI-29) or its short form (SI-10) exists. Unlike the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), LURN instruments comprehensively assess incontinence, pain, urgency, voiding, and nocturia across sexes. The study aimed to translate the LURN SI-29 and SI-10 into Thai and to evaluate their psychometric properties. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 137 patients with LUTS at a tertiary hospital in Thailand. Translation was performed in accordance with Patient-Reported Outcome Consortium guidelines. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)), concurrent validity against the Thai IPSS, discriminant validity, and clinical agreement (Bland-Altman analysis). Results: The Thai LURN SI-29 and SI-10 demonstrated excellent internal consistency (alpha = 0.94 and 0.85) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.84 and 0.82), which remained robust across all educational levels. Both instruments correlated strongly with the IPSS total score (rho = 0.85 and 0.80; P < .001). Furthermore, median LURN-SI scores increased significantly stepwise across IPSS mild, moderate, and severe grades (P < .001). Exploratory domain-level analysis suggested possible sex-related symptom patterns, with men scoring higher on voiding difficulties, while women exhibited greater incontinence and pelvic pain. Conclusion: The Thai LURN SI-29 and SI-10 are valid, reliable, and culturally appropriate. By capturing a broader symptom domain not included in the IPSS, they may support a more comprehensive LUTS evaluation. The SI-10 is ideal for rapid screening, while the SI-29 facilitates detailed assessment.
