Validation of Clinical Tools for Vaginal and Vulvar Symptom Assessment in Cancer Patients and Survivors

摘要

Introduction: Health care professionals can play a pivotal role in promoting vulvovaginal health through assessment and appropriate intervention. Aim: To develop and validate brief clinical measurements to facilitate the identification of vulvovaginal symptoms in patients with and survivors of cancer. Methods: One hundred seventy-five women survivors of cancer attending a Female Sexual Medicine and Women's Health Program from September 26, 2012 through October 31, 2014 completed the Vaginal Assessment Scale (VAS) and the Vulvar Assessment Scale (VuAS)—a modified version of the VAS that targets vulvar symptoms. Pelvic examination results were recorded using a clinical examination checklist. Main Outcome Measures: Internal consistency of the two scales was assessed using Cronbach alpha, and the correlation between scales and other outcomes was reported.