Further Validation of the Visual Analogue Scale for Irritable Bowel Syndrome After Use in Clinical Practice

Abstract

The Visual Analogue Scale for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (VAS-IBS), a self-rating questionnaire, was designed to measure symptoms and the effect of treatment in patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. The aim of this descriptive correlational study was to conduct further psychometric validation after the VAS-IBS had been used in clinical practice, translate it into English, and compare the results with controls. Forty-nine patients with irritable bowel syndrome (median age = 38 years old [range, 18-69 years]) were compared with 90 healthy persons (median age = 44 years old [range, 21-77 years]) who served as controls. The patients with irritable bowel syndrome completed 3 questionnaires: the VAS-IBS, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and the Perception of Change of Symptoms. Controls completed only the VAS-IBS. Results showed that the VAS-IBS is a valid questionnaire that measures the degree of change of symptoms and discriminates between patients who have irritable bowel syndrome from those who do not. It is important to compare the VAS-IBS among different cultural populations so we suggest that the English version of the VAS-IBS should now be used in English-speaking countries and be further tested for validity and reliability with English-speaking patients.

Higher Levels of Serum Zonulin May Rather Be Associated with Increased Risk of Obesity and Hyperlipidemia, Than with Gastrointestinal Symptoms or Disease Manifestations

“…It is a validated questionnaire for estimation of the most common GI complaints that patients with non-organic, functional bowel disease experienced during the previous 2 weeks [33]. This scale has also been validated for estimation of symptoms over time [34]. The seven items measured in the VAS-IBS address the symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and flatulence, nausea and vomiting, psychological well-being, and intestinal symptoms´ influence on daily life.…”

"Validation of romanian version of visual analogue scale for irritable bowel syndrome questionnaire (VAS-IBS)"

“…The Romanian VAS-IBS was translated from the ROME III version of the English VAS-IBS questionnaire (8). The permission for Romanian translation was obtained from Prof. Dr. Mariette Bengtsson from Malmo University.…”

“…Because of the multifaceted character of IBS and the lack of molecular biomarkers to diagnose and observe the treatment efficiency, Bengtsson et al (6,7,8) considered that VAS-IBS could easily translate the patient perception on symptoms severity and wellbeing in numbers. However, even if Bengtsson et al (8) suggested that the English version of the VAS-IBS should be used in English-speaking countries and be further tested for validity and reliability with Englishspeaking patients, Romanian population is not a predominantly English-speaking population. Thus, in this study, we aimed to propose and validate the Romanian translation and adaptation of VAS-IBS scale.…”

High Fiber Fat and Protein Contents Lead to Increased Satiety Reduced Sweet Cravings and Decreased Gastrointestinal Symptoms Independently of Anthropometric Hormonal and Metabolic Factors

“…VAS-IBS is a validated self-rating questionnaire for estimation of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in patients with nonorganic, functional bowel disease experienced during the last 2 weeks [19]. This questionnaire has also been validated for estimation of symptoms over time [20]. The seven items measured in the VAS-IBS address the symptoms abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and flatulence, nausea and vomiting, psychological well-being, and intestinal symptoms´ influence on daily life.…”