Scalpdex: a quality-of-life instrument for XXXX .

@entity1 @entity19857 @entity28583 @entity1909 @entity11885
OBJECTIVE: To develop a @entity1909 -specific quality-of-life instrument. METHODS: Based on the results of directed focus sessions with 8 @entity1 with @entity11885 or @entity19857 , we conceptualized 3 major constructs that explain the way @entity28583 affect @entity1 quality of life: symptoms, functioning, and emotions. We constructed a 23-item instrument, Scalpdex, and tested its reliability, responsiveness, and validity. RESULTS: Fifty-two dermatology @entity1 completed the study. We demonstrated construct validity by confirming that the factors derived by principal axes factor analyses with orthogonal rotation correlated to our hypothesized scales (r = 0.76-0.84) and that differences in symptom, functioning, and emotion scores differed among the varying levels of self-reported scalp severity more than would be expected by chance (P<.05 by analysis of variance). The instrument demonstrated reliability with internal consistency (Cronbach alpha, 0.62-0.80) and reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.90-0.97). The quality-of-life scores changed in the expected direction in our test for responsiveness (P<or=.05, by paired t test for functioning and emotion for those who improved). We ascertained the discriminant capability of Scalpdex compared with a dermatological generic quality-of-life tool, Skindex, by demonstrating superior responsiveness (P<or=.005 by paired t test in functioning and emotion) and improved overall sensitivity in individual items. CONCLUSIONS: Scalpdex is, to our knowledge, the first quality-of-life instrument specifically for @entity1 with @entity1909 that is reliable, valid, and responsive. Clinicians can use the instrument to determine which aspect of the disease most bothers the @entity1 and to evaluate quality of life as one variable of responsiveness to the therapeutic intervention.
