Reliability and Validity of the Quality of Life Questionnaire in Iranian Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire in patients with urinary incontinence (UI).

Methods

The English questionnaire on lower urinary tract symptoms was initially translated into Persian, and then back‐translated into English. Final modifications were made after testing the questionnaire on Iranian patients with UI. To validate the translated questionnaire, the following tests were undertaken: content/face validity, internal consistency/reliability and construct validity.

Results

The Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life (LUTS–QoL) questionnaire showed good internal consistency, content validity, and criterion validity, as measured by correlation with scores on the Short‐Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.951, indicating a high internal consistency. Concerning criterion validity, correlations between the LUTS–QoL and subscales of the SF‐36 were 0.563–0.193. The highest correlation was found between the LUTS–QoL and the social function subscale of the SF‐36.

Conclusion

The Iranian version of the LUTS–QoL questionnaire is a valid and robust instrument that can be used reliably in clinical settings and in research.     

Cross‐cultural adaptation and validation of the Malay health assessment questionnaire for use in rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: To validate the Malay version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (Malay‐HAQ) for use in Malay‐speaking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in the Malaysian setting. The HAQ – Disability Index has been validated in several languages, but not in Malay. Methods: The original HAQ was modified and translated into Malay by two translators, one of whom was aware of the objectives of the Questionnaire and the other as a lay translator. Two sets of Malay‐HAQ were distributed to RA patients during their routine follow‐up visits; one set to be completed immediately and another set to be completed 2 weeks later. A total of 61 patients completed the two sets of Malay‐HAQ. The data collected was analysed using SPSS V. 11.0. Reliability of the data was evaluated using the test‐retest method and internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha. Result: The study showed that the Malay‐HAQ is feasible and reliable. The Spearman's correlation coefficient ranged from 0.65 to 0.82, while the internal consistency was 0.88–0.92. Conclusion: The Malay‐HAQ is a sensitive, reliable and valid instrument for the measurement of functional status in RA patients in a Malay setting.     

Self‐efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis: translation and test of validity,reliability and sensitivity of the Danish version of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire (RASE)

Objectives: To describe the translation and test of the Danish version of the original British ‘Rheumatoid Arthritis Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire’ (RASE). Methods: The questionnaire was forward and back translated by individuals with Danish and English as their respective primary languages. The questionnaire was tested by five lay‐people and in the field by 10 + five persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A test‐retest was performed on 62 outpatients with RA. The sensitivity of the adapted Danish version of RASE (RASE‐DK) was finally tested on 106 outpatients with RA – before, immediately after and three months after they had participated in a short self‐management course performed by a multidisciplinary team. Results: RASE‐DK showed good face validity, but ‘relaxation’ was interpreted in various ways. Internal consistency evaluated by Cronbach's alpha was 0.91. Reliability evaluated by the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.88. A Bland–Altman plot showed good agreement. RASE‐DK, like the original English version of RASE, was not associated with disease activity (Disease Activity Score, DAS‐28) or disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire, HAQ), and correlated significantly with the Arthritis Self‐Efficacy Scale (ASES) subscales ‘other’ and ‘pain’, and total ASES. RASE‐DK showed a highly significant change, from baseline to immediately after participation in the short course (p < 0.001). The effect faded during the following three months. Conclusion: RASE‐DK met the appropriate standards for validity, reliability and sensitivity, and is appropriate for use in Denmark. However, the concept of self‐efficacy may be too abstract for a few individuals, and relaxation is interpreted in various ways by the Danish patients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life (ISYQOL) questionnaire's Arabic version

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment is considered among the most relevant outcome measures following conservative and surgical interventions for various spinal conditions. Several questions are available to evaluate HRQOL in these conditions. A more recent Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life (ISYQOL) questionnaire was developed for this purpose and showed high validity in measuring HRQOL.To translate and adapt the ISYQOL questionnaire into Arabic language (ISYQOL-Ar) and evaluate its validity and reliability, and to correlate it with the validated revised Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22r)''s Arabic questionnaire in a cross-sectional multicenter study.The ISYQOL was translated, back-translated, and reviewed by an expert committee. Reliability assessment for the questionnaire domains was performed using Cronbach''s alpha. For construct validation, the Pearson''s correlation coefficient was used.A total of 115 patients were enrolled in the study and completed the ISYQOL-Ar and Arabic SRS-22r questionnaires. A total of 72 patients (63%) completed the first set of questionnaires, and 2 weeks later, 63 patients (55%) completed both sets of questionnaires, with 15.8 a mean age, 39.5° mean Cobb angle of 88.9% females. ISYQOL-Ar showed excellent validity, good reliability, and internal consistency for spine health and brace wear, with Cronbach''s alpha > 0.6, similar to SRS-22r in the same cohort. The correlation was significant between ISYQOL-Ar and Arabic SRS-22r (Pearson''s coefficient = 0.708, P < .001).The ISYQOL-Ar questionnaire is a reliable and valid outcome measure for the assessment of young patients with spinal deformity among the Arabic-speaking population.     

Reproducibility and Reliability of the Quality of Life Questionnaire in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Background

Studies have shown the impact of atrial fibrillation (AF) on the patients'' quality of life. Specific questionnaires enable the evaluation of relevant events. We previously developed a questionnaire to assess the quality of life of patients with AF (AFQLQ version 1), which was reviewed in this study, and new domains were added.

Objective

To demonstrate the reproducibility of the AFQLQ version 2 (AFQLQ v.2), which included the domains of fatigue, illness perception and well-being.

Methods

We applied 160 questionnaires (AFQLQ v.2 and SF-36) to 40 patients, at baseline and 15 days after, to measure inter- and intraobserver reproducibility. The analysis of quality of life stability was determined by test-retest, applying the Bartko intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach''s alpha test.

Results

The total score of the test-retest (n = 40) had an ICC of 0.98 in the AFQLQ v.2, and of 0.94 in the SF36. In assessing the intra- and interobserver reproducibility of the AFQLQ v.2, the ICC reliability was 0.98 and 0.97, respectively. The internal consistency had a Cronbach''s alpha coefficient of 0.82, compatible with good agreement of the AFQLQ v.2.

Conclusion

The AFQLQ v.2 performed better than its previous version. Similarly, the domains added contributed to make it more comprehensive and robust to assess the quality of life of patients with AF.     

Chinese adaptation and validation of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) is a commonly used instrument to assess the symptoms and functional status in people with knee injuries, including knee osteoarthritis. While China ranked the top country in the absolute number of people aged 65 or above, yet there is no validated Chinese version of this outcome measurement. This study translated and validated the KOOS into Chinese version. Chinese KOOS was translated from the original English version following standard forward and backward translation procedures recommended by the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. Survey was then conducted in clinical settings by a questionnaire comprised Chinese KOOS, WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index, and Short Form 36 health survey (SF-36). One hundred Chinese reading patients with knee osteoarthritis were recruited from the orthopaedic out-patient department in hospitals. Internal consistency of the instrument was measured by Cronbach alpha. Construct validity was examined by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ρ) tests by comparing its score with the validated Chinese version of WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index and SF-36, while the test–retest reliability was evaluated by administering the questionnaires twice. Cronbach alpha values of individual questions and its overall value were above 0.70. Fairly strong association was found between the Chinese KOOS and the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index (ρ = ?0.37 to ?0.86, p < 0.001). Diverse relationship was observed between Chinese KOOS and SF-36. Excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.89–0.92) was demonstrated. The Chinese translated version of KOOS is a reliable and valid instrument for patients with knee osteoarthritis. The findings of current study might promote multinational investigations in this patient group.     

Psychometric and methodological characteristics of a culturally adjusted gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire

Population-based data regarding the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Turkey is lacking. Therefore, a valid and reliable instrument for population-based study of GERD is important. The purpose of the study is to establish the feasibility, reproducibility, reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the GERD questionnaire. The study sample of 630 people was randomly recruited from the 20- to 65-year-old-population of Menderes, Izmir. Face to face interviews were conducted using the Turkish GERD questionnaire. The questionnaire was translated into Turkish, and then test-retest reliability of the study was carried out with 25 individuals. Internal reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha. Additionally, a validity study was performed at the gastroenterology outpatient clinic at Ege University, Faculty of Medicine (45 people). This Turkish GERD questionnaire was easily understood and completed in a reasonable time by members of the population for whom the survey was intended. For all questions (omitting the demographic questions) kappa statistics were calculated; the median kappa for the outpatient assessment was 0.82. The sensitivity of the questionnaire concerning heartburn was strong and the specificity of the test was weak. By calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient, we estimated the internal consistency or the reliability of each component. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were above 0.70. This instrument can be used for large-scale population based studies in Turkey.     

Comparison between subjective and objective assessment of the long-term results after the Heller–Dor operation in patients affected by oesophageal achalasia

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays the subjective assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life after surgery for achalasia is often associated with the instrumental methods in order to evaluate long-term results of therapy. AIMS: To assess the long-term objective and subjective results of the surgical treatment of achalasia and to study the correlation between clinical-instrumental methods and those based on the patient's self-assessment and on Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaires. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four patients consecutively submitted to trans-abdominal Heller-Dor operation were periodically followed up with clinical examination, endoscopy, barium swallow and manometry. The Health-Related Quality of Life was assessed using the 36 item short form (SF-36) and the Psychological General Well-Being Index questionnaire. The statistical comparison between the results of the self-assessment questionnaires and the long-term clinical-instrumental result was calculated by means of linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Over the years, 123 patients underwent at least one complete clinical-instrumental check-up and filled the self-assessment questionnaires. Mean follow-up was 105 months (range 12-288) with a median of 82.5 months. The result of the surgery was considered satisfactory in 93.5% of the patients, while the reflux oesophagitis observed in 6.5% of the cases was the main cause of failure. Clinical scores for dysphagia and for gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms were significantly reduced after surgery. The results of the SF-36 and Psychological General Well-Being Index questionnaires were in our population very high and clinical correlation (p<0.05) emerged in physical function, in role physical, in mental health and in vitality domains of SF-36 questionnaire, and in self-control and general health scales of Psychological General Well-Being Index questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaires can be considered valid aids in evaluating surgical results, but the clinical-instrumental evaluation remains the cardinal point of every long-term assessment in order to diagnose complications, the disease-related conditions of the patient and to acquire reliable data on which scientific discussion can be based.     

Validity and reliability of the health-related questionnaire IBDQ-32 in Mexican patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease comprises two conditions: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire 32 (IBDQ-32) is a specific questionnaire which has been translated from English into Spanish and validated. In the Spanish-speaking countries of America it has not been validated. The aim was to determine the psychometric properties, validity and reliability of the Mexican version of the IBDQ-32 questionnaire.MethodsA total of 316 patients with inflammatory bowel disease and 100 healthy controls participated in the study. The questionnaires IBDQ-32 and SF-36 were issued on two occasions (separated by 15 days). The psychometric properties of the Mexican version of the IBDQ-32 questionnaire were determined.ResultsPatients with inflammatory bowel disease had an impaired quality of life compared to healthy controls. There were no differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in the total scores of IBDQ-32 and its domains. The internal consistency reliability was good. The intraclass coefficient showed good reliability (repeated measurement) for total scale and all four subscales. Factor analysis explained variance is higher than 50% therefore is considered adequate/acceptable. The correlation between IBDQ-32 and SF-36 showed a satisfactory association. The social domain is the only one that presented a ceiling effect.ConclusionsThe Mexican version of the IBDQ-32 quality of life questionnaire is valid and reliable. This sample included the entire spectrum of inflammatory disease (remission and activity) and was comparable when assessing quality of life with the SF-36 generic questionnaire.     

A PRE‐TRAINING ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR HOME DIALYSIS (JPAT)

A tool for assessing the suitability of candidates for home dialysis (Jo‐Pre‐training Assessment Tool version 2.1 — JPAT) was developed, pilot‐tested at one hospital and field‐tested at two major teaching hospitals in Sydney. JPAT acts as a screening instrument to distinguish suitable candidates for the home dialysis programme, identifying patients with the greatest chance of learning to manage the programme. This study included an interview/test of home dialysis patients based on the Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form 36‐Item Health Survey (SF‐36). JPAT version 2.1 is in the form of an interview questionnaire consisting of 38 assessment items in six domains: physical stability, nutritional status, communication ability, ability to maintain self‐care, psychological suitability and social support. Overall, results suggest that JPAT version 2.1 is sufficiently reliable to be used as a tool for assessing patients who suffer from end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), and to identify patients most likely to succeed in a home dialysis programme.     

The Swedish version of the Haemophilia Activity List

Summary. There has been increasing interest in the patient’s perspective on outcome of treatment. The Haemophilia Activity List (HAL) has been developed as a disease‐specific questionnaire for haemophilia patients and is a validated self‐report measure of function developed according to WHO’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. To validate HAL in Sweden. The Dutch and English versions of HAL were translated into Swedish using ‘the forward–backward translation’ method and merged into a final Swedish version. Validation was performed against the Swedish version of the questionnaires Arthritis Impact Measurement 2 (AIMS 2) and Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA). Two hundred and twenty‐five patients with severe and moderate forms of haemophilia A and B from three centres were invited to participate in the study. Spearman’s rank correlation test was used for validation, and internal consistency of the HAL was calculated with Cronbach’s alpha. Eighty‐four patients (39%) (18–80 years old) filled out the questionnaires. The internal consistency of the Swedish version of HAL was high, with Cronbach’s alpha being 0.98–0.71. Function of the legs had the highest consistency and transportation had the lowest. The correlation was excellent between the HAL sum score and AIMS 2 physical (r = 0.84, P < 0.01), IPA autonomy indoors (r = 0.83, P < 0.01) and autonomy outdoors (r = 0.89, P < 0.01). The Swedish version of HAL has both internal consistency and convergent validity and may complement other functional tests to gather information on the patient’s self‐perceived ability.     

Long‐term followup of health status in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis after high‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Objective

High‐dose chemotherapy (HDC) followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a new treatment for patients with severe, refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study was undertaken to assess the health status of patients with severe RA over a long‐term followup period after treatment with HDC + HSCT.

Methods

Health status and utility scores were assessed in 8 patients before and after treatment with HDC + HSCT. Patients were followed up for 5 years posttransplantation. Health status was assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), the RAND‐36 version of the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) health survey, and the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS). Utility scores were calculated using the EuroQol (EQ‐5D) questionnaire and the SF‐36–derived utility index (called the SF‐6D), from which quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) were derived.

Results

Most measures of health status improved compared with baseline in the first 2 years posttransplantation, notably HAQ and AIMS scores and scores on the functional status, general health, and health change summary scales of the RAND‐36 version of the SF‐36. Utility scores derived from the EQ‐5D questionnaire and the SF‐6D also increased significantly after transplantation. This was reflected in the 0.28 QALYs gained compared with baseline. For a putative 50‐year‐old RA patient with a life expectancy of 20 years, a threshold analysis revealed that HDC + HSCT yielded more QALYs than conventional therapy when treatment‐related mortality (TRM) was <2.8%.

Conclusion

HDC + HSCT temporarily increased the functionality and health status of patients with severe, refractory RA. With a reported TRM of 1.3%, HDC + HSCT can be considered a realistic treatment option for patients with severe RA.

     

Combined treatment of achalasia – botulinum toxin injection followed by pneumatic dilatation: long‐term results

Injection of botulinum toxin (BT) and pneumatic dilatation are available methods in nonsurgical treatment of achalasia. Authors anticipate beneficial effect of prior BT injection on the success of pneumatic dilatation and duration of its effect. There are no long‐term data available to assess efficacy of combined treatment. From 1998 to 2007, 51 consecutive patients (20 men and 31 women, age 24–83) with achalasia were included and prospectively followed up. Each patient received injection of 200 IU of BT into the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) during endoscopy and 8 days later pneumatic dilatation (PD) under X‐ray control was performed. The follow‐up was established every 3 months first year and then annually. The efficacy was evaluated by a questionnaire concerning patient's symptoms and manometry. Results were compared with 40 historical controls (16 men and 24 women, age 26–80) treated by PD alone using the same method and follow‐up. Fifty‐one patients underwent combined treatment. Four patients failed in follow‐up and were not included for analysis. The mean duration of follow‐up was 48 months with range 12–96 months. Thirty‐four of forty‐seven (72%) patients were satisfied with results with none or very rare and mild troubles at the time of the last visit. Forty‐one patients were followed up more than 2 years. Effect of therapy lasted in 75% (31/41) of them. In 17 patients, more than 5 years after treatment, effect lasted in 12 (70%). Mean tonus of LES before therapy was 29 mm Hg (10–80), 3 months after therapy decreased to 14 mmHg (5–26). The cumulative 5 years remission rate (±95% CI) in combined treated patients 69% ± 8% was higher than in controls 50% ± 9%; however it, was not statistically significant (P= 0.07). In control group 1, case of perforation (2.5%) occurred. Eight patients (17%) with relapse of dysphagia were referred to laparoscopic Heller myotomy with no surgical complication. The main adverse effect was heartburn that appeared in 17 patients (36%). Initial injection of BT followed by PD seems to be effective for long‐term results with fewer complications. But the combined therapy is not significantly superior to PD alone.     

Self‐Care Behavior of Hemodialysis Patients With Arteriovenous Fistula in China: A Multicenter,Cross‐Sectional Study

Improving the level of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) self‐care behavior by people receiving hemodialysis is an effective way to reduce the occurrence of complications and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the self‐care behavior of Chinese patients undergoing hemodialysis with arteriovenous fistula. The assessment of self‐care behaviors with arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis (ASBHD‐AVF, Portuguese version) was translated into Chinese using Brislin's translation model. The content validity was evaluated by six experts. Then we involved 301 hemodialysis patients with AVF to explore the construct validity of the Chinese version of ASBHD‐AVF. Ultimately 216 patients from eight dialysis centers of general hospitals in China were recruited to evaluate the patients’ self‐care behavior about AVF. Measures included demographic questionnaire, and the Chinese ASBHD‐AVF. The Chinese ASBHD‐AVF that included 12 items has a good internal consistency (α = 0.865) and content validity (CVI = 0.979). Principal component analysis generated two factors which explained 53.525% of the total variance. About 69.9% of hemodialysis patients’ AVF self‐care behavior were at a low or moderate level. The level of self‐care behavior and knowledge need to be improved. Nurses should give specific guidance according to the patients’ own characteristics and different influence factors, in order to improve the recipients’ self‐care behavior.     

Validation of the Turkish version of the foot and ankle outcome score

The objective is to develop a Turkish version of the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) and to investigate its validity and reliability. The Turkish version of FAOS was developed after the translation and back-translation. The translated version was pretested on 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Then, the Turkish FAOS was administered to 55 patients having foot and ankle problems. They were also evaluated by using the four subscales of the Turkish version of AIMS2, and the Turkish version of SF-36 questionnaire to test validity. Fifty patients filled out the FAOS for second time to determine test–retest reliability. Construct validity was investigated with use of Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Test–retest reliability was assessed with use of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach’s alpha score. The psychometric properties of the Turkish FAOS were generally similar to the original FAOS. The random ICC for the five subscales ranged from 0.70 to 0.96. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient ranged from 0.79 to 0.97. Construct validity of the FAOS was good. The Turkish FAOS correlated with the SF-36 and AIMS2 scales. The Turkish version of FAOS was valid and reliable instrument to assess the foot and ankle related problems. However, to assess its responsiveness further studies are needed.     

Cross‐cultural development and psychometric evaluation of a patient‐reported health‐related quality of life questionnaire for adults with haemophilia

Summary. Co‐morbidities of haemophilia, such as arthropathy and blood‐borne infections, can adversely affect the quality of life of adult patients with haemophilia. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a haemophilia‐specific health‐related quality of life questionnaire for adults (HAEMO‐QoL‐A). Subjects with varying severities of haemophilia completed the HAEMO‐QoL‐A at baseline and 4 weeks. Other assessments included the SF‐36 and Health Assessment Questionnaire – Functional Disability Index (HAQ‐FDI). Two‐hundred and twenty‐one participants completed the 41‐item HAEMO‐QoL‐A covering six domains (Physical Functioning, Role Functioning, Worry, Consequences of Bleeding, Emotional Impact and Treatment Concerns) and four independent items. Internal consistency was good‐to‐excellent (Cronbach’s α‐range: 0.75–0.95). Test–retest reproducibility was good, with intraclass correlation coefficients >0.80 except for the Emotional Impact domain (0.79). Concurrent validity between the HAEMO‐QoL‐A total and subscale scores and all SF‐36 subscale scores were generally good (correlations range: 0.13–0.87). Significant correlations between the HAEMO‐QoL‐A and the HAQ‐FDI ranged from ?0.14 to ?0.69. There were non‐significant correlations with the Treatment Concerns subscale and with the Worry subscale. The HAEMO‐QoL‐A discriminated significantly between adults with haemophilia by severity and HIV status. The Physical Functioning subscale discriminated between patients receiving prophylactic or on‐demand therapy. The HAEMO‐QoL‐A is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing quality of life in haemophilia patients.     

General and oral health‐related quality of life among caregivers of Parkinson's disease patients

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the general and oral health‐related quality of life among caregivers of patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: A representative sample (n = 80, 19 men and 61 women) of caregivers from São José dos Campos, Brazil, answered Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) and Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form (SF‐36) questionnaires, as well as another questionnaire regarding caregivers' characteristics and caring activities. Results: The OHIP‐14 average score was 2.56. The SF‐36 average score for the domain of physical function was 87.4; for role‐physical function, 85.0; for bodily pain, 62.9; for general health, 76.6; for vitality, 80.0; for social function, 88.4; for role‐emotional function, 83.8; and for mental health, 85.3. All domains of the SF‐36 also showed negative correlations with OHIP‐14 in the entire sample, but this correlation could not be observed among lower educated caregivers. There were significant differences between formal and informal caregivers for OHIP‐14 and for the majority of SF‐36 domains. Conclusions: Most caregivers were female, the mean scores for SF‐36 and OHIP‐14 were adequate, and formal caregivers had better results for the SF‐36 and OHIP‐14 when compared with informal caregivers. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 429–436 .     

Validation of a specific quality of life questionnaire for functional digestive disorders

BACKGROUND: Dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome are suitable conditions for assessment of quality of life. Their similarities justify the elaboration of a single specific questionnaire for the two conditions. AIMS: To examine the process leading to the validation of the psychometric properties of the functional digestive disorders quality of life questionnaire (FDDQL). METHODS: Initially, the questionnaire was given to 154 patients, to assess its acceptability and reproducibility, analyse its content, and reduce the number of items. Its responsiveness was tested during two therapeutic trials which included 428 patients. The questionnaire has been translated into French, English, and German. The psychometric validation study was conducted in France, United Kingdom, and Germany by 187 practitioners. A total of 401 patients with dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome, defined by the Rome criteria, filled in the FDDQL and generic SF-36 questionnaires. RESULTS: The structure of the FDDQL scales was checked by factorial analysis. Its reliability was expressed by a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.94. Assessment of its discriminant validity showed that the more severe the functional digestive disorders, the more impaired the quality of life (p<0.05). Concurrent validity was supported by the correlation found between the FDDQL and SF-36 questionnaire scales. The final version of the questionnaire contains 43 items belonging to eight domains. CONCLUSIONS: The properties of the FDDQL questionnaire, available in French, English, and German, make it appropriate for use in clinical trials designed to evaluate its responsiveness to treatment among patients with dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome.     

Validity of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form in patients with systemic sclerosis

Objective

To validate the Dutch translation of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form (FoP‐Q‐SF) for patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although concerns about the future are often expressed by patients with SSc, there is no valid quantitative measure available to assess the extent to which patients with SSc are troubled by those concerns.

Methods

Measurement properties of the FoP‐Q‐SF were assessed using a cross‐sectional design that included 215 patients with SSc. Patients completed the FoP‐Q‐SF as well as questionnaires on physical and psychological functioning. Psychometric properties of the FoP‐Q‐SF were assessed using the Consensus‐Based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments checklist.

Results

The mean ± SD FoP‐Q‐SF score in patients with SSc was 30.05 ± 8.97. There were no indications of floor or ceiling effects. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the single‐factor structure of the questionnaire (χ²[52] = 96.84, P < 0.001, root mean square error of approximation = 0.064, chi‐square/df ratio = 1.86). Cronbach's alpha was 0.86 for the questionnaire. Most of our a priori hypotheses (11 of 12) were confirmed, supporting the construct validity of the questionnaire.

Conclusion

A valid measure is now available to assess fear of disease progression in patients with SSc, which is significant since fear of progression is one of the most important stressors in this patient population.