|
Current questionnaires for assessing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms are limited in their ability to capture nocturnal symptoms.
Dr Spiegel and colleagues from California, USA developed and validated an instrument, the Nocturnal Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Severity and Impact Questionnaire (N-GSSIQ), to assess severity and impact of nocturnal GERD symptoms.
The research team conducted focus groups, and 16 cognitive debriefing interviews among GERD patients to identify key issues about nocturnal symptoms.
A draft instrument was tested in 196 patients at 11 clinics in the US to evaluate psychometric properties.
 |
| Patient-rated severity was mild–moderate for 69% of participants. |
| Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics |
Exploratory factor and item response theory analyses were conducted to finalize items and subscales.
Internal consistency reliability, reproducibility and construct validity were examined.
The research team found that the mean age was 45 years, of which 76% were female and 68% were Caucasian.
The researchers noted that patient-rated severity was mild–moderate for 69% of participants.
The team found that 48% reported symptoms on 2 to 3 nights the past week.
The final questionnaire includes 20 items, and 3 subscales, including Nocturnal GERD Symptoms, Morning Impact of Nocturnal GERD and Concern about Nocturnal GERD.
The subscales demonstrated internal consistency reliability, and were significantly correlated with similar measures and disease severity.
Dr Spiegel's team concludes, "The results support the reliability and validity of the N-GSSIQ as a measure of severity, morning impact and concern about nocturnal GERD."
| 
Email this page to a colleague
