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Objectives: This study aimed to assess the burden and quality of life (Qol) of primary caregivers of children/adolescents with meningomyelocele, taking into account the relationship to anxiety and depression symptoms., Methods: A cross-sectional approach was taken to analyze the health-related Qol and burden using the Short Form-36 Survey (SF-36) and the caregiver burden scale (CBS), respectively. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were investigated using the Beck Inventories. The Heckman two-step method was used to deal with the selection bias problem., Results: A total of 43 primary caregivers were enrolled in the study. Most of the caregivers were mothers with preliminary education, living in consensual union. Lower scores in general health and vitality were reported in the SF-36. The mean global CBS score was 2.2. Majority of the volunteers (55.8%) were considered non-depressive. There were both positive and negative correlations between the scores of both Beck Inventories and most dimensions of the CBS and SF-36. The Heckman method showed a higher burden among caregivers who had children with fecal incontinence, were living together with a partner, were unemployed and had lower income (P<0.05)., Conclusion: The primary caregivers of children and adolescents with myelomeningocele reported burden and a lower Qol. There were more anxiety and depression symptoms in subjects with higher burden and impaired Qol. Caregivers had a higher burden if they were living together with a partner, were unemployed, had low income and had care recipients with fecal incontinence.

Introduction and Hypothesis: The aim of this study is to validate the Portuguese translated version of the Prolapse Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (P-QoL)., Methods: Ninety-eight women completed the P-QoL questionnaire translated into Portuguese at baseline and on the second visit, 2 weeks later. Clinical data and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification Index (POP-Q) according to the International Continence Society were obtained. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were assessed., Results: Sixty-eight symptomatic and 30 asymptomatic women for POP symptoms were studied. Most patients presented POP-Q > 2. The P-QoL demonstrated good psychometric properties. The test-retest reliability confirmed a highly significant stability between the total scores for each domain (P < 0.0001). The construct validation distinguished differences in P-QoL questionnaire scores between symptomatic and asymptomatic women., Conclusion: The Portuguese version of the P-QoL questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument to assess quality of life in Brazilian women with pelvic organ prolapse.