Measurement of itching: validation of the Leuven Itch Scale |
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Authors: | Haest Chris Casaer Michaël P Daems Annick De Vos Bea Vermeersch Els Morren Marie-Anne Van Steenbergen Werner Ceuppens Jan L Moons Philip |
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Institution: | a Center for Health Services and Nursing Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium b Department of Intensive Care Medicine and Burn Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium c Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium d Unit for Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium e Clinical Immunology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium |
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Abstract: | ObjectiveTo develop the Leuven Itch Scale (LIS), which measures itching through evaluation of the dimensions of the itch experience; and to provide evidence of the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the LIS.Materials and methodsA clinimetric study using a longitudinal design. Patients with burns (n = 46), atopic dermatitis (n = 63), or chronic urticaria (n = 41) were included. Evidence for validity (based on test content, relations with other variables and internal structure), reliability and responsiveness of the LIS was evaluated.ResultsValidity evidence based on test content was demonstrated by very low percentages of invalid scores for most items. Validity evidence based on relations with other variables was found, because all hypotheses that were put forward could be accepted. With respect to validity evidence on internal structure, a significant moderate positive correlation was found between itch frequency and itch distress, and between itch frequency and severity. As hypothesized, itch severity and distress were strongly correlated. Test-retest reliability showed a moderate to almost perfect agreement for about half of the items. However, the remaining items could be subject to changes in the itch, rather than reflecting instability of the Leuven Itch Scale. In terms of responsiveness, the Leuven Itch Scale did not suffer from floor or ceiling effects and could detect changes in itch frequency in patients with burns.ConclusionThe Leuven Itch Scale is a useful and clinimetrically sound instrument to measure pruritus in different patient populations affected by itching. |
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Keywords: | Measurement Itch Pruritus (Mesh) Psychometrics (Mesh) |
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