Evaluation of the Birmingham IBS Symptom Questionnaire
Author Information
Author(s): Roalfe Andrea K, Roberts Lesley M, Wilson Sue
Primary Institution: University of Birmingham
Hypothesis
The aim of this study was to develop and validate a disease specific score to measure the symptoms of patients with IBS.
Conclusion
The Birmingham IBS Symptom Questionnaire has been developed and tested, showing good reliability, external validity, and responsiveness to changes in health status.
Supporting Evidence
- The questionnaire was returned by 379 (71%) of the 533 eligible population.
- Cronbach's α was 0.74 for pain, 0.90 for diarrhoea, and 0.79 for constipation.
- All dimensions were reproducible with ICCs ranging from 0.75 to 0.81.
- Effect sizes for those reporting improvement in symptoms ranged from 0.27 to 0.53.
Takeaway
Researchers created a questionnaire to help people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome describe their symptoms, and it works well for patients.
Methodology
A self-administered 14-item symptom questionnaire was mailed to 533 persons, and its reliability and validity were assessed through various statistical methods.
Potential Biases
There is a potential response bias due to a portion of responders not working because of health problems.
Limitations
The questionnaire may not cover the full range of symptoms experienced by IBS sufferers.
Participant Demographics
The average age was 50 years, with 73% female and 88% white.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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