Optimizing the design of visual analogue scales for assessing quality of life: a semi-qualitative study among Chinese-speaking Singaporeans

被引:11
作者
Wee, Hwee-Lin [1 ,2 ]
Fong, Kok-Yong [1 ,3 ]
Tse, Connie [1 ]
Machin, David [5 ,6 ]
Cheung, Yin-Bun [7 ]
Luo, Nan [4 ]
Thumboo, Julian [1 ,3 ]
机构
[1] Singapore Gen Hosp, Dept Rheumatol & Immunol, Singapore 169608, Singapore
[2] Natl Univ Singapore, Dept Pharm, Singapore 117548, Singapore
[3] Natl Univ Singapore, Dept Med, Yong Loo Lin Sch Med, Singapore 117548, Singapore
[4] Natl Univ Singapore, Yong Loo Lin Sch Med, Hlth Serv Res Unit, Singapore 117548, Singapore
[5] Natl Canc Ctr, Singapore, Singapore
[6] Clin Trials & Epidemiol Res Unit, Singapore, Singapore
[7] London Sch Hyg & Trop Med, MRC, Trop Epidemiol Grp, London WC1, England
关键词
Asians; computers; outcome assessment; quality of life; visual analogue scale;
D O I
10.1111/j.1365-2753.2007.00814.x
中图分类号
R19 [保健组织与事业(卫生事业管理)];
学科分类号
摘要
Objective Current recommendations for visual analogue scale (VAS) design are largely derived from studies on pain assessment. We evaluated respondent preferences for VAS design for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted among Chinese-speaking rheumatology outpatients and caregivers (age >= 21 years) to determine preferences for the following: (1) VAS orientation (horizontal/vertical); (2) length of instructions (long/intermediate/short); (3) scale range (0-10/0-100 points); (4) indicator for computerized touchscreen VAS (bar/column). Responses in subjects expressing a preference were compared using tests of proportions. Results Among 101 subjects, more subjects preferred a horizontal over a vertical format (48 vs. 37, P = 0.23; 16 no preference), and intermediate length over long/short instructions (44 vs. 14 vs. 31, P = 0.004; 12 no preference). A scale range of 0-10 was preferred over 0-100 (62 vs. 21, P < 0.001; 18 no preference). A bar indicator was preferred over a column for computerized touchscreen VAS (54 vs. 44, P = 0.31; 3 no preference). Only presence of chronic medical conditions influenced subject preference [odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 3.9 (1.6-9.6), P = 0.002]. Conclusion Chinese-speaking subjects preferred a 0-10-point VAS with intermediate length instructions for HRQoL assessment. Thus, a 0-10-point VAS with intermediate length instructions may be more useful for HRQoL assessment among Chinese subjects.
引用
收藏
页码:121 / 125
页数:5
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