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Screening psychological factors in pelvic pain: validation of the pelvic pain psychological screening questionnaire (3PSQ)

Review written by Dr Sandy Hilton info

Key Points

  1. The 3PSQ is a valid screening tool for psychological distress in people with persistent pelvic pain.
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Persistent pelvic pain (PPP) is defined as “continuous or recurring pain experienced in pelvic structures by individuals of any gender “(1). PPP has been associated in the literature with negative consequences ranging from fear, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, decreased self-efficacy, and hypervigilance to negative cognitive and emotional states. Studies have shown these associations are predictive of higher pain levels and negative treatment outcomes (2).

Addressing the relevant psychosocial factors is recommended in multiple clinical practice guidelines. There is not an appropriate, validated psychological screening tool for the pelvic pain population. A recent Delphi study (2021) was conducted to identify the key psychological factors that need to be included in a screening form (3). The resultant phrases and items of the Delphi study form the Pelvic Pain Psychological Screening Questionnaire (3PSQ).

This study aimed to establish the validity of the 3PSQ as a measure of pelvic pain related psychological distress. There were two specific objectives:

  1. Evaluate the psychometric properties of the 3PSQ using the Rasch Method
  2. Establish convergent validity with commonly used assessment of psychological issues

Persistent pelvic pain has negative consequences ranging from fear, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, decreased self-efficacy, and hypervigilance.
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Using the screening tool first limits giving a person in pain too many questionnaires or using up valuable evaluation time on the completion of forms.

METHODS

  • This was an observational, cross-sectional study that used an online survey to collect data.
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