Psychometric properties of the Arabic IMPACT Bowel Function Short Form for assessing pelvic floor dysfunctions symptoms

Background: Pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs) are common but frequently underdiagnosed. While the initial measurement of patient-reported pelvic floor complaints tool (IMPACT) standardizes PFD symptom assessment across specialties, a validated Arabic short form for bowel function has not been available. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited Arabic-speaking adults with clinically diagnosed PFD from colorectal, gynecology, and urology clinics (November 2024 to July 2025). Translation followed international guidelines with expert review and pilot testing. Validity was assessed through face/content evaluation, Pearson correlation, and factor analysis; reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Associations with demographic and clinical variables were examined using t -tests and ANOVA. Results: A total of 205 participants were included, with a mean age of 33.5 ± 9.4 years; 86.3% were female and 66.3% married. Face and content validity were confirmed, and two items were removed after item analysis. Final item-total correlations were significant. Factor analysis revealed 11 factors, accounting for 80.05% of the variance. Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.922). Higher IMPACT scores were associated with asthma (77.7 ± 41.1, P = 0.002), neurological disorders (68.7 ± 27.8, P = 0.030), and chronic disease (59.2 ± 26.5 vs. 51.1 ± 22.9, P = 0.034). Marital status also influenced scores, with widowed/divorced individuals reporting the highest burden (64.4 ± 45.8, P = 0.019). Bristol Stool Type 1 was strongly correlated with symptom severity (60.2 ± 23.3, P = 0.011). Conclusion: The Arabic IMPACT bowel function short form is a valid and reliable instrument. Its adoption may enhance culturally appropriate care, and facilitate standardized evaluation of bowel-related PFD symptoms among Arabic-speaking populations.